Question

"The file you specified cannot be opened."

8 replies
94 views

Message when trying to open states the file cannot be opened, but it exists.

QuickBooks Online - International

MJoy_D

QuickBooks Team

Let's resolve the error you've encountered to open the file successfully, mvbirneyoffice.

Are you trying to open a QuickBooks Desktop company file? If so, this error is caused when the file that you want to access is not found in the system. It can also occur if it is used by any other user.

Here are a couple ways to resolve this error:

Run as Administrator
Update Windows Permissions

To run as Administrator:

Go to the Windows Start menu and search QuickBooks.
Right-click on the QuickBooks version and year you're using.
Select Run as administrator.
After that, close QuickBooks and reopen it.

If you're still having the error message, proceed in updating your Windows Permissions:

Go to your Windows Start menu and search File Explorer, then open it.
Find your QuickBooks program file, right-click your QuickBooks program (QBW32.EXE) file and select Properties.
Select Security, then Edit and Add. This is to set Everyone.
In the Security window, select the checkbox for Full control and then select OK.
Select Add again. In the window, type in "Users" and then select OK.
In the Security window, select the checkbox for Full control and then select OK.
When you're ready, select Apply and then select OK to close your settings.

For detailed instructions, check this how to fix payroll errors The file you specified cannot be opened and The file exists article.

I'm always here if you still have questions with your file and or anything else, by leaving a comment below. Take care and have a wonderful day.

2

2fixu

We had to log in as an administrator on the PC. Then open QB with their user info then close all the open windows in QB. then sign out. Log in as the user and test good.

J

James_a

I am facing the same Error code with my QuickBooks Desktop 2022. My company file is located in the sever computer.

JenoP

QuickBooks Team

Allow me to join you here and offer my help so you can open the program again, James_a.

Can you also tell us if you're using a USA version of QuickBooks Desktop? This error is usually caused if there's a software or payroll update but is not installed because of Windows user restrictions or control settings.

You'll need to access the server and run QuickBooks as Admin. Here's how:

Open the Windows Start menu.
Type “QuickBooks” in the search field.
You should see your results listed in the Search window.
Right-click on the QuickBooks version and select Run as administrator.

Once done, restart the computer and try if you can open QuickBooks again.

Aside from that, you can also use the QuickBooks Tool Hub or repair the software in case you're still getting the same issue. This tool resolves some of the most common errors and unexpected results when working in the program. Here's how to use it:

Close QuickBooks.
Download the most recent version (1.5.0.0) of the QuickBooks Tool Hub.
Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe). You can look it up in your Downloads folder or in the location you selected when you downloaded it.
Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
Once done, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.
Once opened, look for Program Problems, then select Quick Fix my Program.
Start QuickBooks Desktop and open your data file.

You might noticed that the articles are tagged under the USA banner. However, the steps are still applicable to all versions of QuickBooks regardless of the region you're in.

Let me know if that removes the error and lets you open QuickBooks again. The Co

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