How to remove Read Only?

The Read-only usually means QuickBooks Desktop can't write to the restore location, or the backup file (.qbb) is marked Read-only. If the file is saved to a flash drive, CD, or a network drive, Windows often automatically changes its attribute to Read-only. Make sure to restore to a local folder (usually C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Intuit\QuickBooks\Company Files) and clear the Read-only attribute on the backup file. That normally removes the message.

To clear Read-only on the backup file:

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop completely.
2. Open Windows File Explorer and find your backup file (the file ending in .qbb).
3. Right-click the .qbb file and select Properties.
4. Under the General tab, look at the bottom for Attributes.
5. Uncheck the box next to Read-only.
6. Click Apply, then click OK.

If the message still appears, the folder may have restricted permissions. Check it like this:

1. Right-click the destination folder and select Properties.
2. On the General tab, make sure Read-only isn't selected.
3. On the Security tab, select your Windows user name. Under Allow, make sure Full Control and Write are checked.
4. Close QuickBooks, right-click its icon, select Run as administrator, then try the restore again.
    

QuickBooks Desktop can't write to Read-only locations, so the restore fails until the file and destination are both writable. That's why this fixes the error.

Should you have any other concerns, feel free to leave a comment in the thread.