# [phone] What are the Steps to Fix QuickBooks Read Only Error?

QuickBooks is a leading accounting software used by millions of businesses to manage their finances, payroll, inventory, and taxes. However, like any software, QuickBooks users can occasionally encounter technical issues. One such frustrating error is the **“Read Only” error**, which prevents users from editing their company file. This can bring essential business operations to a halt. Fortunately, with the right steps, this issue can be resolved.

This guide covers the **complete steps to fix the QuickBooks Read Only Error**, the reasons it appears, preventive measures, and when to seek professional help.

## What is QuickBooks Read Only Error?

The **Read Only Error in QuickBooks** occurs when the company file (usually with a .QBW extension) is opened in **read-only mode**, meaning users can view the file but **cannot make changes** or **save edits**. This error is particularly common in network environments or when file/folder permissions are incorrectly set.

## Common Symptoms of the Read Only Error

* You can open the QuickBooks file but **cannot save changes**.
* **Error message**: “This file is in read-only mode.”
* **Multiple users** are unable to make updates in a multi-user setup.
* The file opens in read-only mode **even after restarting** QuickBooks.
* File location shows permissions set to “Read-Only” under Windows properties.

## What Causes the QuickBooks Read Only Error?

Before troubleshooting, it’s important to understand the underlying causes:

1. **Insufficient File Permissions**: Your Windows user account may not have write/edit access.
2. **Read-Only File Attribute Set**: The file or folder properties are configured as read-only.
3. **Network Conflicts**: When the company file is located on a shared network or server, improper sharing settings can trigger this error.
4. **File Opened by Another User**: In a multi-user environment, if another user has the file open in single-user mode.
5. **Damaged Windows User Profile**: Corrupt or limited profiles may only allow restricted access.
6. **Syncing Software Conflicts**: Cloud-based or syncing apps like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive may cause file lock or sync delay.
7. **User Account Control (UAC) Restrictions**: On some Windows versions, the UAC can block write access without admin permissions.

## Steps to Fix QuickBooks Read Only Error

Here is a detailed step-by-step approach to fix the Read Only Error in QuickBooks:

### **Step 1: Close QuickBooks and Reboot Your System**

Before making any changes, follow these basics:

* Close QuickBooks on all computers.
* Restart your PC to clear temporary file locks.
* Retry opening the company file.

If the issue persists, proceed to the next steps.

### **Step 2: Verify File Properties Are Not Set to Read-Only**

1. Navigate to the folder containing your **.QBW file**.
2. Right-click on the **company file** and select **Properties**.
3. Under the **General** tab, **uncheck** the box labeled “Read-only” if it’s selected.
4. Click **Apply** > **OK**.
5. Do the same for the folder that contains the file.
6. Reopen QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved.

### **Step 3: Run QuickBooks as Administrator**

Running QuickBooks as an administrator can bypass access restrictions.

1. Right-click on the **QuickBooks Desktop icon**.
2. Click **Run as administrator**.
3. Open the company file and check if you can now make changes.

### **Step 4: Check Windows User Permissions**

You must have **full control** over the folder where your QuickBooks file is stored.

1. Right-click on the folder where your **.QBW file** is located.
2. Select **Properties** > Go to the **Security** tab.
3. Choose your **user name** and click **Edit**.
4. Check **Full Control** under Permissions.
5. Click **Apply** > **OK**.

Repeat this for all users accessing the file.

### **Step 5: Move the Company File to a New Location**

Sometimes, the location of the file causes conflict. Move it temporarily.

1. Create a new folder on your Desktop.
2. Copy and paste the **.QBW file** to this folder.
3. Open QuickBooks and **open the file** from the new location.
4. If the file opens normally, permissions on the original folder are likely causing the issue.

### **Step 6: Disable Syncing Software (Temporary)**

If your file is stored in OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive:

1. Pause syncing temporarily.
2. Move the file to a **local drive** like `C:\Users\Public\Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks`.
3. Try opening the file again.
4. If resolved, avoid real-time sync of active company files to prevent corruption or lock.

### **Step 7: Check If the File Is Open on Another Computer**

In multi-user mode:

1. Ask all users to **log out** of QuickBooks.
2. Open the company file on your PC.
3. If you still face the issue, restart all workstations.
4. Ensure that only **one user opens the file in multi-user mode** first.

### **Step 8: Use QuickBooks File Doctor**

QuickBooks Tool Hub includes the **QuickBooks File Doctor Tool**, which helps fix file access issues.

1. Download **QuickBooks Tool Hub** from the official Intuit site.
2. Install and launch it.
3. Go to **Company File Issues** > Run **QuickBooks File Doctor**.
4. Select your company file and start the scan.
5. Once the repair completes, open your file again.

### **Step 9: Check Hosting Settings**

In multi-user environments, improper hosting can cause access issues.

1. Open QuickBooks on the **host computer**.
2. Go to **File > Utilities**.
3. If you see **Host Multi-User Access**, click it.
4. If you see **Stop Hosting Multi-User Access**, then it’s already hosting.
5. Ensure only **one computer is set to host** the company file.

### **Step 10: Create a New Windows Admin Profile**

A corrupted Windows user profile may not allow full access.

1. Go to **Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage Accounts**.
2. Create a **new administrator account**.
3. Log in with this account.
4. Open QuickBooks and try accessing the file.

### **Step 11: Reset Folder Permissions Using QuickBooks Database Server Manager**

1. Launch **QuickBooks Tool Hub**.
2. Go to **Network Issues**.
3. Click on **QuickBooks Database Server Manager**.
4. Browse to the folder with the company file and click **Start Scan**.
5. Once done, it will **reset folder permissions** automatically.

### **Step 12: Ensure Multi-User Setup Is Properly Configured**

1. Open **QuickBooks Desktop**.
2. Go to **File > Switch to Multi-User Mode**.
3. Ensure all users are accessing the file using **multi-user mode** and **not as single-user** simultaneously.
4. Review user permissions under **Company > Set Up Users and Roles**.

### **Step 13: Contact QuickBooks Support for Advanced Troubleshooting**

If none of the above methods work, it may be a deeper issue related to your system, network configuration, or corrupted file.

**Call QuickBooks Support** at **[phone]** (Toll-Free – USA)
Expert technicians can help with:

* File recovery
* Server reconfiguration
* Permission troubleshooting
* Multi-user conflict resolution
* QuickBooks data file services

## Preventive Tips to Avoid QuickBooks Read Only Error

1. **Always use Admin rights** to run QuickBooks.
2. **Don’t store company files** in synced folders like OneDrive or Dropbox.
3. Maintain a **dedicated shared folder** with full permissions.
4. Regularly **backup** your QuickBooks company file.
5. Avoid simultaneous login in **single-user mode** by multiple users.
6. Update **Windows, QuickBooks, and anti-virus** software regularly.
7. Limit access to company file folder only to required users.

## When to Seek Professional Help?

Call **[phone]** if you:

* Can’t reset file permissions
* Have a **multi-user network** that’s misconfigured
* Think your **company file is corrupted**
* Need help with setting up **QuickBooks Hosting**
* Lost access after a system or user account upgrade

The support team is available **24/7** to provide professional assistance.

## Conclusion

The QuickBooks Read Only Error can be disruptive, especially in environments where multiple users rely on simultaneous access. Fortunately, by following the step-by-step guide above, you can diagnose and fix the issue effectively. Whether the cause is incorrect file permissions, network sharing, or syncing software, each of the methods addresses common sources of the problem.

If you're still facing difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to QuickBooks support experts at **[phone]** (Toll-Free for USA). Having professional assistance ensures that your financial data remains secure and your business continues without disruption.

**Still having trouble fixing the QuickBooks Read Only Error?**
📞 **Call QuickBooks Support Now: [phone]** (USA – Toll-Free)