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Error 1321: The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file

by Intuit Updated 4 months ago

When installing or updating, you see Error 1321, followed by one of these messages:

  • The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\sdkeventl.DLL
  • The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\CfScan.DLL
  • The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file at C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR\QBONLI32.DLL
  • The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file [2]
The actual .dll file name will vary in the error. If you select Retry, you may see more than one message and the installation or update may fail.

There are several possible causes for this error:

  • The file update process may be faster than the file copy process.
  • Your antivirus or security software (such as WebRoot, or McAfee) is conflicting with or blocking QuickBooks.
  • The Windows permissions for the folder containing the file are set to restrict access.
  • The file referenced in the error is in use or damaged.n

Intuit recommends several solutions for this problem. The first solution may solve your problem or you may need to try them all to resolve the issue. For best results, perform the solutions in the order shown.

Solution 1: Download QBInstall Tool

Download QBInstall Tool. Refer to Fix common installation errors using the QBInstall tool for more information.

Solution 2: Retry the update

Click Retry to allow the update to complete.

If it doesn't work, click Cancel on the error message and proceed to the next solution.

Solution 3: Temporarily turn off antivirus software and reinstall or update

  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus or security software. Refer to the software supplier's web site or other support option for help with this process.
  2. Install QuickBooks or your update.
  3. Re-enable your antivirus or security software.

Note: Disabling antivirus software while connected to the Internet using a persistent connection such as DSL or cable is NOT recommended. Disconnect the computer from the Internet before disabling the antivirus software. When you are finished with these steps, re-enable the antivirus software before reconnecting to the Internet.

Solution 4: Edit the Windows permissions on the folder

These steps require that you know whether you are running a 32- or 64-bit version of Windows. Refer to 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows + R to open the Run box.
  2. Enter the path for the folder containing the QuickBooks program files in the Open field, and press the Enter key:

    32-bit versions of Windows (10, 8, 7)

    Desktop Enterprise

    • 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 20.0
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 19.0
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 18.0


    Pro and Premier

    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2020
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2019
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2018

    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 12.0
    • C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 11.0

64-bit versions of Windows (10, 8, 7)

Desktop Enterprise

  • 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 20.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 19.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 18.0


Pro and Premier

  • 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 Point of Sale 12.0
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 11.0
  • In the new window, choose View > Customize this folder.
  • In the Properties window, go to the Security tab.
  • On the Security tab, click Administrators.
  • Select the Allow checkbox next to Full Control.
  • On the Security tab, select the SYSTEM user.
  • Select the Allow checkbox next to Full Control.
  • Click OK to close the Properties window.
  • Install QuickBooks.

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