why read only mode

Don't worry, I'll help you get out of read-only mode.

I'll explain why your company file is read-only and provide troubleshooting steps to return your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to normal mode.

Some of the most common causes that initiate the read-only error in QuickBooks are:

• Some other users modified the file and saved it in the read-only mode.
• The default file attribute status has been set to read-only mode when copying the QuickBooks files from a CD.

To remove this, I'd recommend logging in to your account as an admin and open the file to troubleshoot. Let me show you how: 

1. Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon and select Run as administrator. 
2. Open the company file, then click the File menu on the upper left side. 
3. Select the Open or restore company option, then Browse and open the company file.
4. Close and re-open the QBDT to save the changes. 

If the issue persists, let's configure your company file folder. Go as follows: 

1. Open the Windows Explorer and find the company file folder.
2. Right-click the file, then select Properties and General.
3. Uncheck the Read-only box and hit Apply. 
4. Run QuickBooks and click on Open or Restore Company.
5. Click on Browse and choose the company file again.

On top of that, ensure that your QBDT release is updated to avoid any issues on your file.

Moreover, read the following articles below to help find your company file or most recent backup and how to fix some issues in your account:

• Find QuickBooks company data files and backups.
• Fix data damage on your QuickBooks Desktop company file.

Remember that you can always ask me about any topics or other processes within QuickBooks. I'm always ready to work with you again. Keep safe.

Same problem, but answer does not address the issue.  Recent upgrade from QB Mac Pro 2020 desktop to QB Mac 2023 desktop.  Transition appeared to be fine; system would not create backups but that problem solved following online instructions at Intuit and this Community.  I shut down computer after making backup.  Both QB and MacOs Ventura are latest versions.  Single user (me) as Administrator.  I have verified the file is Quickbooks Company file (not QBB or other file type).  Per instructions, right clicked file, selected Get Info.  Sharing & Permissions says I can read and write, with the following settings in the box:  Read & Write for me, Read only for staff, Read only for everyone.  Next steps to try to resolve?

I was able to find a workaround:  rather than opening the file through the QB icon and login window, I clicked (highlighted) the file in the finder window, then under the File option I clicked Open With and clicked QB 2023.  That brought up the QB password window for the file.  However, the problem still exists for logging in using the QB login window.

I know this hasn't been an easy process for you, @KaSim. I appreciate you for performing all the possible steps to resolve this.

Let me make it up to you by ensuring this error gets fixed. I encourage you to contact our QuickBooks Online Support Team directly. They have access to extra tools that enable screen-sharing, allowing for a more comprehensive investigation. 

Furthermore, if the situation requires it, they can escalate the matter by raising a ticket for further investigation. To reach out to them, follow these steps:

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Help.
3. Select Contact Us.
4. Give a brief description of your issue, then select Continue.
5. Sign in to your Intuit account and select Continue and then Continue with my account.
   • If you don't already have an account, make sure to Create a new account.
6. We'll email you a single use code. Enter your code and select Continue.
   • If you have more than one account, select the account you want to use and then Continue.
7. Select to chat with us or Have us call you.

I'm also adding this article that provides general information on how to import or export info with QuickBooks Desktop: Import and export data in QuickBooks Desktop.

Feel free to comment below if you have clarifications about exporting data and reports in QuickBooks. I'll be happy to help you. Keep safe!