Fix "File you specified cannot be opened" or "File exists" errors

Resolve common payroll errors that occur when updating payroll, paying taxes, or opening state or federal forms in QuickBooks Desktop.

Overview

When attempting to update payroll or access tax forms, you may encounter one of the following error messages:

• "The file you specified cannot be opened", or
• "The file exists"

These errors often relate to permissions or administrator settings.

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

Running the application with administrative privileges can often bypass permission restrictions preventing the update or file access.

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Type "QuickBooks" into the search.
3. Right-click on the QuickBooks version and year you wish to open from the results.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. Run the payroll update.
6. Once the update is complete, close QuickBooks and open it normally (not as an administrator).

Solution 2: Update Windows Permissions

If running as an administrator does not resolve the issue, you may need to manually adjust the security permissions for the QuickBooks program file.

Step 1: Locate the program file

1. Open the Windows Start menu.
2. Type "File Explorer" into the search and open File Explorer.
3. Locate your QuickBooks program file (QBW32.EXE) based on your processor type:

Step 2: Edit security settings

1. Right-click the QBW32.EXE file and select Properties.
2. Select the Security tab, then select Edit.
3. Select Add.
4. In the window, type "Everyone" and select OK.
5. In the Security window, select the checkbox for Full control, then select OK.
6. Select Add again.
7. In the window, type "Users" and select OK.
8. In the Security window, select the checkbox for Full control, then select OK.
9. Select Apply, then select OK to save your changes and close the settings.

Still need assistance?

You can contact support for assistance if the solutions above are not working.