Learn the best ways to resolve Error 1321: The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file:

Did you just receive the following error? “Error 1321: The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file.” Well, this is a common error and usually appears when you don’t have the permission to access any specific company file. Just updating the privileges and rights for access should, in most cases, fix this QuickBooks error code 1321.

But there might be other causes behind to this error, and you may require a different solution for them. We know that such type of errors can be frustrating for you and hinder the complete work process. But you should not worry as it’s fixable, you simply need to implement some DIY steps and then you are good to go.

You may also see: How to Download Bank Feed Transactions in QuickBooks Desktop?

What is QuickBooks Install Error 1321?

Error 1321 generally appears when you try to install a QuickBooks company file. When this error occurs, an error message appears on your screen that reads, ‘The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the company file.’ When this error occurs, you may see one of the following error messages on your desktop screen:

ProblemError Description
Warning:Error 1321: The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file
Error:The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\sdkeventl.DLL
Error:The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\CfScan.DLL
Error:The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file at C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR\QBONLI32.DLL
Error:The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file [2]
Error:The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale X.0\dataimporter.exe

Note: When you click on the Retry button, you may see another error message on your screen, and your software installation or software update will be failed.

QuickBooks Installer Error Code 1321 - Screenshot

A few of users reported that they have encountered error message 1321, when the installer is unable to write any certain files due to a lack of permissions or other permission related issues. Also, the path that might appear in the error message might vary depending upon the installation.

What can lead to QuickBooks Error code 1321?

The following are some of the most common reasons behind the occurrence of such an error:

  • The File Copying process is slower than the file update process.
  • If case the installation of QuickBooks is incomplete or if an important QB files are missing in directory, it may lead to this error.
  • Another possible trigger can be if antivirus or firewall is blocking your QuickBooks.
  • Windows permission for the folder containing the file has been restricted.
  • The file is either damaged or in use.
  • Your computer wasn’t shut down properly after the last use.
  • The file update procedure is faster than the file copy procedure.
  • If the UAC settings are set too high, then QuickBooks may not have the necessary permissions to install or update.

Signs and symptoms of QuickBooks error 1321

The following pointers can help you in identifying the install error 1321 in QuickBooks. Let us explore those signs one by one:

  • You might receive a message like “The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\ Intuit\ QuickBooks\ CfScan.DLL” OR “The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file at C:\Program Files\ Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR\QBONLI32.DLL“. This can be one major point in identifying the error.
  • When the QuickBooks file gets damaged, it might indicate to this error.
  • The speed of the software lowers down or the software responds sluggishly.
  • The Windows restrictions on the folder can be another sign.

Read Also: How to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error 15311?

Methods to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error Code 1321

Perform the below-given solutions in order to rectify the QuickBooks install error 1321:

Solution 1: Download QuickBooks tools hub and Run QBinstall Diagnostic Tool on the system

QuickBooks Tool Hub can help you to resolve common QB errors that come while using the software.

  • Start the process by closing your QuickBooks desktop and all other running apps in background.
  • After that, you need to download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub file and save it on your desktop.
  • Once the tool is downloaded successfully, double click to open it.
  • In the next step go through the on-screen instructions to install and agree the Terms and conditions of this program.
  • Once the tool is successfully installed on your system, it will create an icon on your desktop menu. Double-click on the icon to open this tool..
  • Followed it, hit a right click on it and select Open to launch this tool.
QuickBooks Tool Hub - Icon

Note: In case you are unable to find the icon on your system, then search in Windows for QuickBooks Tool Hub and choose Program.

QuickBooks Tool Hub - Screenshot
  • Now in the tool hub, you need to select Installation Issues tab.
  • And also choose QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool here. (Note: The whole process may take up to 20 minutes.)
Choose QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool - Screenshot
  • Once the tool has successfully done the scan, just reboot your system once.

Solution 2: Temporarily Turn off the Antivirus and reinstall or update it

Another method to fix the running issue is to turn off the antivirus and reinstall or update it. The steps to be followed over here are as follows:

Temporarily Turn off the Antivirus - Screenshot

Note: Ensure that disabling software while you are connected to the internet using a persistent connection like DSL or cable is NOT recommended. You should disconnect the system from the internet before disabling the antivirus software. Once you are done with the steps, then re-enable the antivirus software before re-connecting to the internet.

Read Also: What are the Ways to Fix QuickBooks Unable to Sync License issue?

Solution 3: Make a new Windows admin user account

Another method that once try to resolve the issue can be to make a new Windows admin user account. The steps to be followed are as follows:

Windows 10/11

  • At first, press the Start or Windows button, and move to Settings.
  • After that, select User/Accounts tab.
  • Set it as an Administrator.
  • Moving ahead, hit a click on Family & other people option on the left-side pane.
  • Followed by, click on Add someone else to this PC.
Add someone else to this PC - Image
  • It will take a moment and a Microsoft account window will open up.
  • You need to click on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information option.
  • Later head towards, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account link.
  • You now need to enter your Username and click on Next.
  • It will create your new local account. However, it will set as a standard account by default.
  • To make it an admin account, go with the following steps:
    • Select the account name and click on Change account type.
    • Followed by select Administrator option and click OK. You are all set!

Windows 7

Create new Windows Admin User - Screenshot Image
  • At first, hit a click on Start > Control panel > Select User/Accounts.
  • After that, go for Create a New user and name the account.
  • Now set it as an Administrator.
  • Also, create an account and log out from the current account.
  • Lastly, log in to the new account.

Solution 4: Change/Edit the Windows permission on the folder

Change the Windows Permission on the folder - Screenshot

For Windows 7, 8, and 10: (32-bit and 64-bit version)

For 32-bit version (Windows 7, 8, and 10):
  1. Firstly, you need to press Windows + R keys together to open Run box on your computer.
  2. After that, enter the path to the folder containing QB program files in the open field.
  3. Now hit the Enter key.
Desktop Enterprise:
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 24.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 23.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 22.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 21.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 20.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 19.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 18.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 17.0
Pro and Premier:
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2023
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2023
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2022
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2021
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2020
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2019
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2018
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2017
Point of Sale System
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 12.0
  • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 11.0

For 64-bit version (Windows 7, 8, and 10):

Desktop Enterprise Solutions:
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 24.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 23.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 22.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 21.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 20.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 19.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 18.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 17.0
Pro and Premier:
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2024
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2023
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2022
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2021
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2020
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2019
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2018
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2017
Point of Sale:
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 12.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 11.0
  1. In a new window, select View opt then click on Customize the folder.
  2. Now go to Security Tab in the Properties window, and hit a click on Administrations.
  3. Choose Allow which is right next to Full Control.
  4. Again go to the Security tab and select the System user.
  5. Once done with that, you need to repeat the Step Number 5.
  6. And then click on OK button, also close the Properties window.
  7. Finally, perform a QuickBooks desktop clean Installation.
Clean Install Utility - Screenshot

Related article: How to Fix QuickBooks error code 1311?

Solution 5: Retrying the update

You should try attempting to update QuickBooks once again. However, if the QB error code1321 keeps annoying, then try disabling the antivirus and then again try the update process.

  • When the users encounter the error code, they are supposed to click on Retry tab and finish the update process.
  • If the issue persists, users need to hit the ignore/cancel icon and then click on the Options tab.
Error 1328 - Screenshot
  • Followed by disabling or turning off the antivirus on a temporary basis.
  • In the last step, try to install the QuickBooks desktop again in a proper manner.

Solution 6: Updating insufficient user privileges

Users might see an information dialog box with error codes and messages generated during the QuickBooks installation process. They can check the below messages. At the time of the installation process, the error might appear. Like the AcrobatConnect.cfg shoots the error message on the screen.

  • QB Error 1321. The Installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file.C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerTrust\AcrobatConnect.cfg. Action ended 11:21:48: InstallValidate.
  • You need to put the privileges for the folder given in the error message, for eg: \Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerTrust\AcrobatConnect.cfg.

For Windows XP Professionals:

When started, you are supposed to view the concealed files/folders placed in the OS, which easily disables the file sharing. You need to view the appearing hidden files and folders, simple file sharing on the Microsoft support website.

  • At first, click on Windows + E keys and then open Windows Explorer.
  • Navigate to the error message parent folder.
  • Next, hit a right-click the Parent folder.
  • From the drop-down menu, select the Properties tab and go for Security tab.
  • And finally, opt for the administrators for the Group or user names.

On Windows XP

If you are a Windows XP user, then carry out the steps below:

  • The Windows XP user needs to turn off the system and turn it on after a couple of seconds.
  • When the Windows logo shows up, click on F8 key.
  • Following that, visit the Safe mode with networking icon and later hit Enter key.
Safe mode with networking - Screenshot
  • In Windows XP Professional, users need to follow the prompted instructions to update the user privileges and later start the system and install QuickBooks.
  • Also, select the System icon from the group or user names tab.
  • Now choose Full control to allow system permission.
Modify registry permissions - Screenshot
  • Once done, pick the Advanced icon.
  • Hit Replace permission entries on all child objects with entries here that apply to child objects.
  • Shut down the properties window and click on OK tab. And you are good to go.

See Also: How to resolve QuickBooks Error H202 in case of Windows Server 2012 Essentials R2?

Solution 7: Run Windows System File Checker tool

To run the Windows System File Checker tool to scan for and repair any file system errors, you can follow these steps:

  • Under this process, press Windows key + R keys on your keyboard to open Run dialog box.
  • Type in cmd and press Enter key to open command prompt.
  • Hit a right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • Now type sfc /scannow and press Enter key. This will start the scanning process. (Note: This will take some time to finish the scan process.)
Type sfc-scannow - Screenshot
  • Once done with it, you can see error messages on your screen, if there is any.
  • Lastly, find out the root causes of those errors and repair them.
Final Words..!

Within this article, we have tried to include all the important information related to QuickBooks Error Code 1321 with the hope that you resolve this error by your own. However, in case the issue persists even after you have performed all the above mentioned troubleshooting steps, we recommend you to contact our 24/7 QuickBooks enterprise support team using our dedicated tech support line i.e., 1-800-761-1787. Our experts have access to state-of-the-art tools and technology, and we can quickly help you fix this issue.

 

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