Read only company

Hi Lizber. This error happens sometimes if Windows or QuickBooks updates. But no worries you came to the right place. Here's how to fix it:

Step 1: Close the program and restart your computer. Then, right-click QuickBooks Desktop icon and select Run as the Administrator.

Step 2: Make sure to download the latest product updates to ensure you have the most recent update of QuickBooks.

If the error still appears, you may need to change the user permissions associated with the file. You can go through this article for the detailed steps: Resolve the file you specified cannot be opened errors.

Let me know if you need anything else, I'll be here if you do. 

The instructions I got did not work. I checked every file and they are all not marked read only. I unparalleled and reinstalled quickbooks, did nothing. I am the only user and have access to everything. What will happen if I delete all company files from my computer and then try to restore from the back up?  I’m not very computer savvy so excuse my ignorance  

Hi Lizber. Thanks for replying. Let's get you back up and running. Although you may be the only user on the computer, certain programs, and windows setting can sometimes change user permissions on certain files on your computer.

So, follow these steps for me to ensure that there is in full control associated to your user group:

1. Right-click your company file and select Properties at the very bottom
2. Select the Security tab at the top 
3. Once in the security tab, you may see user groups you never knew were there this is completely normal and most are for system maintenance. However, select your current User from the selections presented to you.
4. Now, make sure the Full-control checkbox is checked. This will also cause all the other boxes to become checked once it is selected correctly.
5. Hit Apply in the bottom right 

If the file is not set to read-only in the security tab, it's highly likely that the file has become corrupt and your best option would be to run the QuickBooks File Doctor to repair the file. The article I linked about the file doctor contains everything you need to know to get through that process. Let me know if this helps, and please don't hesitate to come back if you need anything else at all. 

Ok, everything is full access. I tried to restore from the thumb drive backup it is asking me to type yes if I want to permanently delete this data file. I can’t remember if this is what happened last time I tried to restore from a back up 

Hi Lizber. Just to ensure we're on the same page, is it asking to delete or to overwrite the data?

If it asking to overwrite the data it may because when creating the new file from the backup it has the exact same name as a previously stored company file on your computer. 

Here are the steps to restore a file as well just to ensure you're performing them correctly:

1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Open or Restore Company.
2. Select Restore a backup copy and then Next.
3. Select Local Backup and then Next.
4. Browse your computer for your backup company file. It should look like this: [Your company name].qbb.
5. Select a folder to decide where to save your restored company file. Then select 
6. When you're ready, select Save. If you see any messages about possibly overwriting your data, select the option that best fits your needs. Don't overwrite anything unless you know you want to

Also, check out our article on fixing issues with backup files.  Let me know if it helps and have a great rest of your night. 

It is asking to delete the data file

I appreciate the prompt response, Lizber.

I've read through the thread and looks like you've done all the possible troubleshooting steps to fix issues with the read-only company in QuickBooks Desktop. 

I want to make sure this gets resolved. To move forward, I recommend you get in touch with our QuickBooks Care Support. They have the complete tools to conduct a deeper investigation so they can come up with a fix.

Additionally, our phone support may be temporarily unavailable due to the recent pandemic virus which affects our staffing. For now, you can reach our Chat Support instead.

Here are the steps to contact support:

1. Click Help at the top menu and select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
2. In the Have a Question? window, enter a topic.
3. Click Contact us.
4. Hit the Stat Messaging button.
   

Please take note our operating hours for chat support depends on the version of QuickBooks that you're using. Please see this article for more details: Support hours and types.

Get back to me if you have other concerns. I'll be around to answer them all for you. Keep safe and have a good one!