Error -6144, -82
File permissions problem
High Severity
Fix Time: 10-20 minutes

Problem Overview

This error occurs when QuickBooks cannot access company files due to insufficient file or folder permissions. The application requires specific permissions to read, write, and modify company files and associated data files.

Common Symptoms

  • Unable to open company files
  • Error when saving transactions
  • Backup creation failures
  • Multi-user mode connection issues
  • Data file corruption warnings

Permission Types

  • File system permissions
  • Network share permissions
  • User account controls
  • Folder security settings
  • Administrative privileges

Quick Resolution

  • Run as Administrator
  • Check folder permissions
  • Verify user account rights
  • Adjust security settings
  • Use QuickBooks File Doctor

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Run QuickBooks as Administrator
Run QuickBooks with administrative privileges to ensure it has necessary permissions.
  1. Close QuickBooks completely
  2. Right-click the QuickBooks shortcut
  3. Select Run as administrator
  4. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control
  5. Try opening your company file
Note: For permanent fix, right-click the shortcut, select Properties → Compatibility tab, and check "Run this program as an administrator".
2
Check Folder Permissions
Verify that the folder containing your QuickBooks company files has proper permissions.
  1. Navigate to the folder containing your .QBW file
  2. Right-click the folder and select Properties
  3. Go to the Security tab
  4. Select your user account and verify it has:
    • Full Control
    • Modify
    • Read & Execute
    • Write
  5. If permissions are missing, click Edit and add them
Important: Also check permissions for the parent folder and ensure inheritance is enabled.
3
Use QuickBooks File Doctor
The QuickBooks File Doctor tool can automatically diagnose and fix permission issues.
  1. Download QuickBooks Tool Hub from Intuit's website
  2. Install and open the Tool Hub
  3. Go to the Company File Issues tab
  4. Click Run QuickBooks File Doctor
  5. Select your company file and run the diagnosis
  6. Follow the tool's recommendations
Success Tip: File Doctor can fix most common permission problems automatically.
4
Reset Folder Permissions
Reset permissions to default and reapply them properly.
  1. Right-click the QuickBooks folder → Properties
  2. Go to Security tab → Advanced
  3. Click Disable inheritance
  4. Choose Remove all inherited permissions
  5. Click Add → Select principal → Enter your username
  6. Grant Full control permissions
  7. Repeat for "Everyone" or "Users" group if needed
5
Check User Account Control Settings
Adjust UAC settings that might be blocking QuickBooks operations.
  1. Type "UAC" in Windows search and open User Account Control Settings
  2. Temporarily move the slider to "Never notify"
  3. Restart your computer
  4. Test QuickBooks
  5. Return UAC to recommended setting after testing
Security Note: Only disable UAC temporarily for testing. Re-enable it afterward for system security.

Required Permissions

File/Folder Required Permissions User/Group Priority
Company File (.QBW) Full Control, Modify, Read, Write Current User, Administrators Required
Transaction Log (.TLG) Full Control, Modify, Read, Write Current User, Administrators Required
QuickBooks Install Folder Read & Execute, List folder contents, Read Users, Administrators Required
Company File Folder Full Control, Modify, Read, Write Current User, Administrators Required
Windows Temp Folder Full Control, Modify Users, Administrators Optional
Backup Folder Full Control, Modify, Read, Write Current User, Administrators Required

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I keep getting permission errors after Windows updates?

Windows updates sometimes reset security policies and folder permissions. Major updates may change how User Account Control works or reset inheritance settings. After updates, you may need to reapply permissions or run QuickBooks as administrator.

Can antivirus software cause permission issues?

Yes, some antivirus programs can interfere with QuickBooks file access. They may quarantine QuickBooks files or block file operations. Add QuickBooks folders to your antivirus exclusion list: Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks and your company file folder.

How do I fix permissions for multiple users?

For multi-user setups, ensure all users have appropriate permissions on the company file folder. Either add each user individually or grant permissions to the "Users" or "Everyone" group. Use the same permission level for all users to prevent conflicts.

What if I don't have administrative rights on my computer?

Contact your IT administrator to grant necessary permissions. They need to provide your user account with Modify/Full Control permissions on QuickBooks folders and files. Without admin rights, you cannot change system permissions yourself.