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Novice5
May 18, 2020
Solved

Problem opening local version of company file

  • May 18, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

Our 2020 QB Desktop Premier is in a cloud based hosted environment. The company file is on the host's cloud based shared server. We also use Assisted Payroll. To access QB, we have to log in via remote desktop. Everything is working fine in the hosted environment. 

 

My problem is on my own desktop. I have also installed 2020 QB Desktop Premier on my desktop and copied the company file from the cloud to my desktop. But, when I tried to open the company file on my desktop, I am getting:

 

The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not currently being used by another program or a read-only file. 

 

The Windows error was 'The file exists.'.

 

Why is this happening? Prior to QB 2020, we were using QB 2017. I had no problem copying the company file from the cloud to my desktop and work off my desktop. This way, I can test different scenarios and make sure it is correct before I update the actual company file in the cloud. How can I fix this?Thanks!

Best answer by Novice5

Thanks Steve_C for the reply. Before getting your response. I gave up and uninstalled QB 2020 then reinstall the program. (Prior to uninstalling, I had used QB Tools Hub to fix the problem to no avail.) After the reinstall, I can now open the file with no problem. I did check the company files. 2 of the 4 files were marked as read-only. But, it is the same setup as in the cloud environment. 

 

I don't know if the uninstall/reinstall pull in new modules that fixed the problem. Either, it is now working. Thanks for your help. 

 

 

3 replies

S
Steve_C
May 19, 2020

Hi Novice338. There's a high likelihood that the company file has been auto-set as read-only once it is transferred to your desktop. Follow these quick instructions to disable the read-only setting on the file:

  1. Right-click your company file and select Properties at the bottom. 
  2. Now, towards the bottom of the window that opens, uncheck Read-Only. 

Here are a couple of screenshots to show you what you should be looking for. 

 

 

If this doesn't fix this issue, I highly recommend you read the what to do if you can't open your company file in QuickBooks Desktop article and run through the other common issues noted there.

 

However, with my experience, I'm confident with the error you provided the most likely issue occurring is the read-only setting. 

 

Don't hesitate to come back if you need assistance with anything else, I'm always happy to help. Have a great day as well. 

 

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    N
    Novice5AuthorAnswer
    May 19, 2020

    Thanks Steve_C for the reply. Before getting your response. I gave up and uninstalled QB 2020 then reinstall the program. (Prior to uninstalling, I had used QB Tools Hub to fix the problem to no avail.) After the reinstall, I can now open the file with no problem. I did check the company files. 2 of the 4 files were marked as read-only. But, it is the same setup as in the cloud environment. 

     

    I don't know if the uninstall/reinstall pull in new modules that fixed the problem. Either, it is now working. Thanks for your help. 

     

     

      G
      GOODMORNING
      July 29, 2020

      Just got the QB Pro 2020. Was able to open 2 days ago. It won't let me open today. It says there is a QB already open? 

      K
      kjszjasjs
      July 29, 2020

      Hi there, GOODMORNING.

       

      There can be many reasons as to why your company file isn't opening, but not to worry, I'm here to help. First, let's try to run the Quick Fix tool. This will help fix common errors that occur when opening the file. I'll provide the steps below:

       

      1. Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub file and save it where you can easily find it. 
      2. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
      3. Follow the onscreen steps to install the tool tub, then accept the terms and conditions.
      4. After the install completes, double-click the icon on your Desktop to open the tool hub.
      5. In the tool hub, choose Program Problems.
      6. Press Quick Fix my Program and start your QuickBooks Desktop.
      7. Open your data file.

       

      Now you can access your company file and get back to business. However, if you continue to hit a bump in the road, you can check out this article: QuickBooks Desktop Tool Hub. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out at any time to anyone in the QuickBooks Community. We're all here to help assist you in anyway we can. Have a great rest of your week!

      G
      GOODMORNING
      July 29, 2020

      Just got the QB Pro 2020. Was able to open 2 days ago. It won't let me open today. It says 

      QB already has a company file open.Close this company file first.

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