cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Fern2
Level 2

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

Apple support just reloaded my OS and now QB can't find one of my companies and for my major company is says The document XXX.qb2020 could not be opened. Operation not permitted.

 

Hoe do I get my data back?

Solved
Best answer July 13, 2020

Best Answers
ReyJohn_D
Moderator

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

Thanks for the details, @Fern2.

 

I've got steps to help ensure you can find and open your company files.

 

First, let's locate your missing company file through the steps below:

  1. Go to File, and then choose Open Recent to open the company file you last used in QuickBooks.
  2. However, if you're unable to find it, you can go to Documents/ QuickBooks folder which is its default location.

 

For your major company file, we can either rename or move it to another location to fix the error.

 

To rename it, here's how:

 

  1. Open the New Finder window and then locate your company file.
  2. Go to the File menu, and then select Rename.
  3. Create a new name, and then click OK once done.

To move your company file, follow these steps:

 

  1. Open the New Finder window and browse to where your company file is located.
  2. Go to Edit, and then choose Copy.
  3. Paste the file to another folder or you can create a new folder.
  4. Hover to Edit again, and then choose Paste.
  5. Open your QuickBooks, and then pick Browse.
  6. Look for the new location of the file, and then tap Open.
  7. Then, let's delete the file from the original location by going to the New Finder window again, and then drag the file to the Trash icon.

Also, you may verify and rebuild your data to fix common issues within your company file. Please refer to this resource for more info: Verify and Rebuild for QuickBooks for Mac.

 

Feel free to get back to us if you have more questions about managing your company files or anything else related to QuickBooks. I'd be glad to assist you further. Take care and stay safe always.

View solution in original post

6 Comments 6
ReyJohn_D
Moderator

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

Thanks for the details, @Fern2.

 

I've got steps to help ensure you can find and open your company files.

 

First, let's locate your missing company file through the steps below:

  1. Go to File, and then choose Open Recent to open the company file you last used in QuickBooks.
  2. However, if you're unable to find it, you can go to Documents/ QuickBooks folder which is its default location.

 

For your major company file, we can either rename or move it to another location to fix the error.

 

To rename it, here's how:

 

  1. Open the New Finder window and then locate your company file.
  2. Go to the File menu, and then select Rename.
  3. Create a new name, and then click OK once done.

To move your company file, follow these steps:

 

  1. Open the New Finder window and browse to where your company file is located.
  2. Go to Edit, and then choose Copy.
  3. Paste the file to another folder or you can create a new folder.
  4. Hover to Edit again, and then choose Paste.
  5. Open your QuickBooks, and then pick Browse.
  6. Look for the new location of the file, and then tap Open.
  7. Then, let's delete the file from the original location by going to the New Finder window again, and then drag the file to the Trash icon.

Also, you may verify and rebuild your data to fix common issues within your company file. Please refer to this resource for more info: Verify and Rebuild for QuickBooks for Mac.

 

Feel free to get back to us if you have more questions about managing your company files or anything else related to QuickBooks. I'd be glad to assist you further. Take care and stay safe always.

Fern2
Level 2

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted


Thanks a million. Renaming the files worked.

GS11
Level 1

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

I have the exact same problem. I followed the edit name instruction but cn not figure how to open it. for me the files had a Fixed_xxx.qb2020 

I renamed in finder but don't know from instructions above how to open. as a new company?  

thanks

 

MirriamM
Moderator

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

Welcome to the thread, GS11. I'm here to lend a hand.

 

To set up QuickBooks Desktop to use the new company file name, here's what you'll need to do:

  1. Go to the File menu. 
  2. Pick Open or restore an existing company.
  3. Choose Open a company file and hit Next.
  4. Select the newly renamed company file.
  5. Tap Open

Take a look at this article to know more about this process: Rename your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

 

For future reference, I'm adding the following resources that will help you know more about QuickBooks Desktop for Mac:

If you have other questions, be sure to let me know by leaving a comment below. I'd be happy to work with you again. Have a great day!

SAS8
Level 1

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

thanks for these details - and/but - I got to this step:

  1. "Select Browse, then go to the folder where you saved the copy of the company file. Select the company file, then Open."
  2. but when I go to that folder with the saved renamed copy of the file, it doesn't show up as open-able - the type-font is that very light font, versus the full font that allows me to click open.
  3. Do you have an idea of what's going on?
AlexV
QuickBooks Team

QB Mac - won't open file - says operation not permitted

Thanks for joining us here, SAS8.

 

Let me help you in opening your company file.

 

One possible reason why you can't open it is due to the incorrect file. Make sure to rename the correct file and check if it's in the right file type. For backups, QuickBooks for Mac creates a DMG file.

 

Also, the DMG file cannot be restored directly. Double-click the DMG file and drag the copy of your company file to the folder where you keep your QuickBooks company. You can follow the detailed steps here: Restore your backup company file for QuickBooks Desktop for Mac.

 

Keep on posting here if you need anything else. Take care!

Sign in for expert help
Ask questions, post replies & join our community of QuickBooks users.

Need to get in touch?

Contact us