How to Fix QuickBooks Error the File Exists? [A Windows Error]

Many times, QuickBooks users encounter certain errors, one of which is File exists error. This error can be seen while downloading the payroll, paying the scheduled liabilities and also while opening a federal or state form. This error comes up with an error message “The file you specified cannot be opened.  It must not be already in use by another program or a read-only file” or “The Windows Error was The File Exists.


In today’s post, we will be talking about the ways to fix the file exists error in QuickBooks. Thus, make sure to read this post till the end.

Moreover, you can also get in touch with our support team via our toll-free number 1-800-969-7370. Our experts will be happy to fix the error on your behalf.

What Causes QuickBooks Windows Error ‘The File Exists’?

  • Inactive internet connection on the system
  • Outdated firewall
  • Incorrect internet security settings
  • Outdated QuickBooks desktop application file
  • Incorrect QuickBooks installation
  • Not having admin rights
  • QuickBooks interrupted by windows user account control

Solution to fix the file exists error in QuickBooks desktop

The user can check the QuickBooks desktop updates in order to fix this error. The steps in involved in this process are as follows:

  • The first step is to open QB desktop and click on product information option under the help tab
  • And then select correct year and version of QuickBooks from the drop down lost
  • Now, click on the search option and move ahead by clicking get the latest updates tab
  • After that, save the data
  • And then run the installation process ensuring to carry out the on-screen instructions in the best possible way
  • End the process by rebooting the system and you are good to go.

Alternate method

By turning off the UAC in Windows you can prevent this error to occur:

  • Go to the Windows settings
  • After that go to the UAC (User Account Control) option
  • Check that the UAC feature is turned off if it is ON.
  • Once done, you need to restart your system

This drives us towards the end of the post, and we expect that the steps mentioned above might help in getting rid of the QuickBooks Error ‘The File Exists.

However, if the error persists, make sure to get in touch with some professional, or you can also get in touch with our QuickBooks enterprise help and support team via our toll-free number i.e.1-800-969-7370.

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Published by mathewsmartin

Hello fellas….! This side is Martin mathews from Florida. It’s been more than 17 years, I am working with different IT agencies in the United States. Well, I am here to connect with peoples who need IT or any kind of software help and of course to make friends of different countries & origin.

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