QuickBooks Read-Only Error: How to Troubleshoot It

Last Updated on October 15, 2025

If the QB company file is set to read-only, you will be able to open it, but not make changes or write to it. To make the changes to the file, you need both the read and write permissions.

There can be scenarios when you come across the QuickBooks read-only error. This error will keep you from performing operations in your company files, including Accounts Payable, Sales, Purchasing, and Human Resources. You might come across this error message stating:

This blog discusses the reasons and troubleshooting methods to help you overcome this situation.

If you need help working on your QuickBooks company file, feel free to get in touch with our QB experts. Dial +1(855)-738-0359!

What You Might Experience When the QuickBooks Read-Only Error Occurs?

You may encounter multiple issues in your system or QB application when the read-only error occurs.

• QuickBooks Desktop might start lagging.
• The Windows operating system might also start to freeze.
• The system may not respond to the inputs from the keyboard and mouse.
• The Windows operating system may crash or encounter issues when loading your company file.

Listed above were some of the factors through which you can identify the QuickBooks read-only error.

Potential Reasons Why You Face the QuickBooks Read Only Access

The common factors that lead to the QuickBooks Read Only Access Problem are as follows:

• If your file is set to block any changes made, you may encounter this issue.
• When QuickBooks downloaded payroll updates, it was unable to delete them using Windows user control or permission settings.
• If the read-only feature is set as the default status, it happens when you copy the file from the CD-ROM.
• Due to the permission allotted by another user, this error can be seen.

These were the culprits when you observe QuickBooks read-only errors.

Certain Things to Ensure to Quickly Fix the QuickBooks Read-Only Error

You should ensure certain things when you fix the read-only error in QuickBooks:

• Your Windows should be running on the latest version.
• Always create a backup for your company files to ensure data safety.
• Keep your drivers updated in your system.
• Check and verify the QuickBooks Program’s Status as Active.
• Update your QB Desktop to the latest version.
• Check if the Windows firewall or the antivirus application is interrupting your QB operations.

Now, let’s move forward and understand what the causes can be behind this error.

Stepwise Troubleshooting for Read-Only Error in QuickBooks

After you have understood what leads to the read-only error in QuickBooks, we can begin troubleshooting it with the following methods:

Solution 1. Launch the QBDT as an Admin

Accessing the QBDT in admin mode will help you overcome the QuickBooks read-only error.

• Exit the QBDT application.
• Right-click on the QB shortcut on the Desktop and click on the Properties tab.
• Click on the Compatibility option.
• Then, check the box that says “Run this program in compatibility mode”.
• Also, mark the Run this program as an administrator checkbox.

If this doesn’t help you with the error, try to verify and rebuild the company file.

Solution 2. Use the Verify and Rebuild Tool

Another thing you can try is to verify and rebuild the QuickBooks company file. Here are the steps to do so.

Firstly, to verify the company file:

• Click the File menu.
• Now, choose the Utilities option from the drop-down menu.
• Choose the Verify Data option.
• Tap on OK to continue.

Now, to rebuild the data, follow the steps below:

• Head to the File menu.
• Choose the Utilities option.
• Here, select the Rebuild Data option.
• Tap on OK to rebuild the data.

With the help of these, you can easily tackle the QuickBooks read-only error.

Solution 3. Disable the Read-Only Option

If you encounter a read-only issue with your company file, disabling the feature may help resolve the problem.

• Locate the company file.
• Right-click on the file and choose the Properties option.
• Go to the General section.
• Now, Uncheck the Read-only box from here.
• Tap on OK to save the changes.

Performing these steps will help you turn off the read-only option for the company file.

Solution 4. Restore the Backup Version of the Company File

One solution is to restore the company file backup, which can help eliminate the QuickBooks read-only error.

• Access the QuickBooks application.
• Go to the File menu.
• Choose the Open or Restore company option.
• Then, click on the Restore a Backup Copy option.
• Opt for the file and choose the location to save the restored file.

After completing the steps, check if the error persists; if not, try changing the file name.

Solution 5. Rename the File and Save

Save your file again after renaming it to resolve this error.

• Firstly, go to the Company file.
• Right-click on the file and choose the Rename option.
• Now, include the .old extension after the file name and save it.

Following these steps will help you rename the file and fix the QuickBooks read-only error if it is related to the name of the company file.

Expert Tips to Prevent the QuickBooks Read-Only Error

One must also learn how to prevent this issue in the future to save time and work seamlessly. Here are the healthy practices to avoid the read-only or similar errors in QB:

• Ensure that the file is not marked as Read-Only for users.
• Use the updated version of QuickBooks Desktop.
• Grant full access permissions to users when sharing on a cloud network.
• Use local storage whenever possible.
• Only one person should use the file at a time.
• Use the QuickBooks File Doctor tool to detect and resolve file damage or connectivity issues that may lead to read-only errors.

These key pointers will ensure that you do not reencounter the QuickBooks read-only error in the future.

Conclusion

To wrap up this blog, we have covered all the essential aspects you should consider when you face a QuickBooks read-only error. We have discussed potential factors that may lead to this error, and additionally, listed the steps to troubleshoot this problem.

However, if you continue to experience issues with the read-only problem in QuickBooks, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert at +1(855)-738-0359!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kate Churchill

Kate is a certified public accountant (CPA) with expertise in various accounting software. She is technically inclined and finds passion in helping businesses and self-employed people carry out bookkeeping, payroll, and taxation without worrying about errors. Every once in a while, Kate loves to travel to far-off places and relax in the lap of nature.