Get Solutions for QuickBooks error the file you specified cannot be opened

QuickBooks comes up with a couple of assorted technical error codes. QuickBooks error “the file you specified cannot be opened” is one of them. This error can be confronted while working on various accounting operations like trying to open any federal or state form, updating payroll, and also at the time of paying scheduled payroll liabilities in QuickBooks Online. This payroll error may also pop up in various forms such as; 

• 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.”

What throws QuickBooks error the file you specified cannot be opened?

The file you attempt to open cannot be accessed if you are using the incorrect ID and password. Similarly, running the QuickBooks or Windows account without admin privileges may also prevent you from performing certain actions. There can be a variety of factors contributing to payroll errors, out of them the major ones are enumerated below:

1. If you’re not having admin rights then you might end up with this error. 

2. There have been some installation issues on QuickBooks software.

3. QuickBooks is being interrupted by Windows users' account control. 

4. The file is either damaged or corrupted. 

5. Misconfigured Internet security settings may provoke such errors in the payroll. 

6. An improper or outdated firewall is also a contributory cause behind the error prompt “the file you specified cannot be opened”.

Possible solutions to fix the QuickBooks error “the file you specified cannot be opened”

Before moving ahead, you’re required to know the reason for its occurrence. Else, you won’t be able to choose the right solution accordingly. Here’s the list of many solutions considered to repair this issue. Let’s explore and implement each of them one by one. 

 
Method 1: Update Windows Permissions 

1. Tap on the Windows Start menu. 

2. Next, type File Explorer and open the same in the search bar. 

3. Locate your QuickBooks program file under the following path; C:\Programs Files\Intuit\QuickBooks XXXX (XXXX is the version of the software) for 32-bit and C:\Programs Files x86\Intuit\QuickBooks XXXX (XXXX is the version of the software)for 64-bit.

4. After that, hit a right-click on the QuickBooks Program file and then select the Properties tab. 

5. Now, choose the Security and Edit options. 

6. Select Add and type Everyone in the Windows.

7. Press the OK button. 

8. Under the Security Windows, choose the checkbox named Full Control. 

9. Furthermore, hit the OK tab and click Add again. 

10. You need to write down Users in Windows and tap on OK. 

11. The next step is to select the checkbox beside Full Control in the security window and select OK. 

12. When you’re all set, click Apply button to see the changes.

13. Finally, hit OK to close the settings. 

Method 2: Run QuickBooks as an Administrator 

1. In the inception, navigate to the Windows Start menu and type QuickBooks within the search box.

2. Next, look for the results that show up in the search window. 

3. Hit a right-click on the QuickBooks icon.

4. Now, you need to select the Run as an Admin option from the drop-down menu.

5. Run the Payroll Updates in the QuickBooks account. 

6. Once you are done with the update, close the QuickBooks account. 

7. In the end, reopen QuickBooks normally to check for errors. 

 

Winding-up!

After executing all the steps over here, if you’re unable to get rid of the QuickBooks error “the file you specified cannot be opened” or are still in doubt then don’t panic! Our QuickBooks technical support team is here to help you with incomparable advice or suggestions. So quickly get in touch with them to tackle all the technical issues in just a single click. 

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