What are the Steps to Fix QuickBooks Read Only Error?

Check-out these quick solutions to troubleshoot the QuickBooks file isn’t marked as Read-Only issue:

QuickBooks Desktop faces issues in variegated forms. While some of these issues are due to a misconfiguration of QuickBooks and system settings, some others are caused by file corruption. In the current blog, we shall throw light on the peculiar QuickBooks Read Only Error. This error occurs when QB users try to edit a file which has been configured to the read-only mode.

It may also occur when users try replacing the company files with a portable file. This illustrative article shall unravel various methods to fix QuickBooks Read Only Error and will ensure that you are able to make changes to your QuickBooks company file.

In what form does the Read Only Error appear?

QuickBooks Read Only Error typically appears when users try to modify, or replace the company files. The following error message pops up:

Error Name:	Error Description:
Read Only Error	“[Company_Name].qbw This file is set to read-only. Try again with a different file name.”

Major causative factors that lead to QuickBooks Read Only Error

Some of the most common causes that instigate the read only error in QuickBooks are:

• Some other user modified the file and saved it in the read only mode.
• The default file attribute status has been set to the read only mode when copying the QuickBooks files from a CD.

You can read also: How to Reauthorize QuickBooks Desktop to keep using Gmail?

Procedure for fixing QuickBooks Read Only Error

Follow the below given steps carefully.

Procedure 1: Run QuickBooks as Admin

• Right-click the QuickBooks icon.
• Now, opt for the Run as administrator option.

•  Now, click on Open or restore company option and then Browse and open the company file.

• If the Error shows up at this instant, proceed to the next solution.

Procedure 2: Remove Read-Only Attribute

Follow the below given steps to delete the read-only attribute from the company file.

• Open the Windows Explorer and then head to the company file folder.
• Thereafter, right-click the Company File for which you are facing the QuickBooks Read Only error.
• Now, click on Properties.
• Proceed to the General tab.
• Within the General tab, uncheck the Read-only box.

• After that, click on Ok and then hit on Save.
• This action shall change the attribute of the company file.
• Soon after, run QuickBooks and click on Open or Restore Company.
• Click on Browse and choose the company file again.
• This should fix QuickBooks Read Only Error. If not, just proceed to the subsequent procedure.

Read Also: How to Reconcile Payroll Liabilities In QuickBooks?

Procedure 3: Restore the backup file

If the previous procedure of changing the Read only attribute does not fix the error, the users should restore the company file. For that, the below mentioned steps should be performed:

• Run QuickBooks.
• Now, proceed to the Open or Restore Company.

• Make an attempt to restore the back up copy of the company file whose attributes have been changed to the Read only mode.

• Choose the file and opt for a suitable location to save the restored backup file.
• When the file has been restored successfully, run QuickBooks and try opening this restored file in QuickBooks.
• It is recommended that users restore the file to the company file folder. This action shall replace the previous file with the current one. However, to avoid permanent deletion of the original file, users should instead rename the original company file.

Procedure 4: Rename the Original Company File while restoring the backup

Before restoring the backup of the company file, users should rename the original company file.

• First, move to the company file folder.
• Search for the company file for which the backup is being restored.
• Now, right-click the company file and hit on Rename.
• Users should change the file name by incorporating ‘.old’ immediately before the .qbw extension.

• Subsequent to that, restore the backup of the company file in the company file folder.
• Run QuickBooks and try opening the restored file to verify if QuickBooks Read Only error got sorted out.

Read Also: What are the Solutions to Resolve QuickBooks Error 61686?

Wrapping-up

The current blog discussed different troubleshooting way outs for curbing QuickBooks Read Only Error. This error is related to the altered attributes related to the company file and can quite easily be fixed by performing the procedures mentioned within the ambit of this blog. If you face any technical hindrances while implementing any of the steps, just give our QuickBooks desktop error support experts a call at 1-800-761-1787.

FAQs

 

More resources:

How to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 6190 and 816?

Steps to Resolve QuickBooks Error Code 404

Troubleshooting Measures to Rectify QuickBooks Payroll Error 17337