QuickBooks Error 1904 typically occurs when installing QuickBooks Desktop on a computer. It indicates that certain necessary components failed to register during the installation process. This error may stem from issues with Microsoft components used by QuickBooks, such as MSXML, Visual C++, or .NET Framework. To resolve it, users can try repairing or reinstalling Microsoft components, updating Windows, or utilizing the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool provided by Intuit.