Hello, Bethpoole. 

I'll lay down a few steps to help you get the validation code. 

We normally send out the registration details through email. You'll want to check your inbox for the validation code. Alternatively, check out your CAMPS profile: 

1. Go to https://camps.intuit.com/.
2. Choose your version under the Products & Services section.
3. Click Details, then look for the validation code. 

As what my colleagues have pointed out, you can also get the validation code through our phone agents. They'll securely pull up your product registration details and generate a code for you. 

Here's how to reach out to them: 

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. From the Help menu, select QuickBooks Desktop Help. 
3. Click the Contact us link.
4. On the new page, select a topic (such as activate or install QuickBooks). 
5. Scroll down and click the Have us call you button. 

For reference about contact us, you can check this article: Contact QuickBooks Desktop support.

After activating QuickBooks successfully, you can start setting up your company file. If you need help, we have a number of help articles to guide you through the processes. 

I'm with you in every step of the way. You can ask again in the Community space if you have questions in QuickBooks. I'm here to help.