Fix QuickBooks Error 1321: The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file.

QuickBooks Desktop updates and installation require Windows Installer to adjust key program files. The Windows Installer requires administrative rights, sufficient disk space and RAM, a compatible browser, and an Operating System. In addition to these, complete file access is required.

When any of these requirements are not addressed, installation fails. The error is witnessed when the update or installation initiates, showing that a particular .dll file cannot be updated. This disrupts the update or installation and stops its completion.

This guide shares the reasons and step-by-step solution for QuickBooks error 1321. These efficient solutions guarantee QuickBooks Desktop installation or update is complete without any disruption.

What is QuickBooks Error 1321?

QuickBooks error 1321 arises while updating or installing when the Windows installation fails to adjust a QuickBooks File. To resolve the issue, the permissions on the parent folder or file need to be updated. With the occurrence of this error, accounting work is delayed. This issue restricts access to company files, hindering productivity and interrupting usual business activities.

Common Error Messages Associated with Error Code 1321:

The error message depends on the file that Windows Installer cannot access. Here is the list of the different error messages:

Problem	Description
Warning:	Error 1321: The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file
Error:	The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file at C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks YEAR\QBONLI32.DLL
Error:	The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\CfScan.DLL
Error:	The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks\sdkeventl.DLL
Error:	The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file [2]
Error:	Error 1321: System has insufficient privileges to modify this file
Error:	The installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale X.0\dataimporter.exe

Note: The required DLL or application file changes depending on the restricted component. Clicking “Retry” often causes recurring issues and compels the update or installation to stop.

Signs of QuickBooks Error 1321

QuickBooks Error 1321 displays clear symptoms and signs during updates or installation. Here is the list of the symptoms:

• QuickBooks update or installation ends unexpectedly.
• The installation folder displays limited access permissions.
• An error message is displayed confirming inadequate privileges.
• Program efficiency degrades or behaves unpredictably.
• During the launch or setup, QuickBooks does not respond properly.

Possible Causes Behind the QuickBooks Error 1321

QuickBooks Error 1321 mostly arises when Windows restricts the installer from modifying program files.

Here is the list of the possible reasons that trigger the error 1321:

• Restricted Windows folder permissions stop the installer.
• Update or installation triggered system shutdown.
• QuickBooks installation is disrupted due to the firewall or antivirus software.
• QuickBooks file access is restricted due to security software or antivirus software.
• The needed program file is corrupted or locked.
• The process of copying a file is slower than the file update process.
• Permission inheritance issue on the main installation folder.

Instant Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 1321

Implement the following troubleshooting steps in the shared order. This will help to regain installer permissions and enable installations or updates to finish.

Here are the different solutions to fix the error 1321:

Solution 1: Repeat the Update Procedure

Reattempt the QuickBooks update to regain installer permissions and finish the installation hassle-free. Here are the steps to retry the update process:

• To enable the update to complete, click the “Retry” option.
• In case it fails, choose the “Cancel” icon that is displayed on the error message.
• Head to the “Option” button.
• Temporarily stop the antivirus or system security software.
• Perform a clean new installation of the QuickBooks application.

Solution 2: Update all the User Insufficient Privileges to Files

The information dialog displays QuickBooks installation error messages and codes. The error arises due to the AcrobatConnect.cfg file.

Refer to the error messages below:

• QB Error 1321.The Installer has insufficient privileges to modify the file C:\Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerTrust\AcrobatConnect.cfg. Action ended 11:21:48: InstallValidate.
• Users need to set proper folder privileges as mentioned in the error message, for example: \Windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\FlashPlayerTrust\AcrobatConnect.cfg

In Windows XP Professional:

Prior to implementing the guidelines below, ensure that Windows shows the hidden folders and files.

Here are the instructions for Windows XP Professional:

• Click the “Windows + E” keys to access the Windows Explorer.
• Head to the main folder that is shown in the error message.
• When the folder is visible on the screen, hit right-click.
• From the drop-down menu, choose the “Properties” tab.
• Choose the “Security” tab.
• Select the “Administrators” option for the “User Names” or “Group” tab.

In Windows XP Home:

Here are the instructions for Windows XP Home Users:

• Exit the system and then reboot it.
• Click the “F8” key when the Windows logo is displayed.
• Next, choose the option “Safe mode with networking”.
• Next, click the “Enter” button.
• Now, proceed with the prompts to modify user privileges.
• Reboot the system and then install the QuickBooks software.
• Choose the “System” icon from the “Group” or “User Names” tab.
• In the “Permissions for System” segment, select the “Full Control” option.
• Head to the “Advanced” tab in the “Security” segment.
• Now, in the “Advanced Security Settings” screen, go to the “Permissions” tab.
• Now, choose the option “Replace Permission Entries on All Child Objects with Entries Shown Here That Apply to Child Objects” and click the “OK” button.
• Click the “OK” button to exit the “Properties” screen.
• Turn on simple file sharing and retry the same action that caused the issue.

Solution 3: Fix QuickBooks Desktop Installation

QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool fixes Windows components like MSXML and C++ for QuickBooks. This fixes unsuccessful installations and error 1321, guaranteeing a seamless setup.

Here are the steps to repair QuickBooks Desktop using the Install Diagnostic Tool:

Step 1: Download and Install the QuickBooks Tool Hub on the System

• Download the QuickBooks Tool Hub and install it. This will enable users to access the Install Diagnostic Tool.
• Close QuickBooks and other active applications on the system.
• Download the setup file for QuickBooks Tool Hub.
• Now, save the setup file in a preferred location.
• Once the download is done, head to the download location.
• Start the QuickBooks Tool Hub setup file.
• Complete the guidelines as they are displayed on the window.
• Next, give consent to the terms and conditions to finish the installation.
• After the installation is done, start QuickBooks Tool Hub. Access the shortcut icon appearing on the desktop to run the tool.
• In case the Tool Hub icon is not visible, perform a manual search on the computer to open it.

Step 2: Run the Quick Fix My Program Tool

Before running the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool, start the Quick Fix My Program. This makes the system ready, fixes small errors, and guarantees that the diagnostic tool performs efficiently. This will help to resolve various QuickBooks installation issues.

Here are the steps to run the Quick Fix My Program tool:

• In the Tool Hub, head to the “Program Problems” tab.
• Allow it to run to detect and fix small issues and system crashes in QuickBooks.
• Once the detection and fixing is complete, complete the next step.

Step 3: Start the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

To run the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic tool, perform the following steps:

• Start QuickBooks Tool Hub again in case it is closed.
• Next, head to the “Program Problems” tab.
• Choose the option “QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool” and allow it to run for 20 minutes. This will enable the tool to identify and fix installation errors.
• Once the repair process is over, check if the installer error 1321 persists. In case the error still persists while updating or installing QuickBooks, move to the next method.

Solution 4: Deactivate the Anti-virus Program Momentarily

Deactivate the firewall or antivirus to reinstall or update the QuickBooks program. Deactivating the antivirus or the firewall helps avoid communication restrictions triggered by security settings.

Here are the steps to deactivate the antivirus and reinstall the QuickBooks program to resolve error 1321:

• Disable the antivirus or the security software.
• Click the “Windows + Shift + Esc” keys together to use the Task Manager.
• Select the application required to turn off from the programs list.
• When the programs are deactivated, install QuickBooks and try to update it.
• Once the update is complete, reactivate the deactivated app.

Note: It is not advised to deactivate the firewall/antivirus application when it is connected to the Internet. This is crucial when it is done through a stable connection like cable or DSL. Deactivate the applications after disconnecting the system.

Solution 5: Create a New Windows Administrator Account

Installation is guaranteed with a new Windows Admin account. In addition, updates get complete admin rights due to a new Windows Admin account.

Here are the steps to create a new Windows Admin account and fix the error 1321:

• Select the Windows “Start” icon and click it.
• The “Settings” options appear. Click it.
• Navigate to the “Accounts” option.
• Now, select the option “Family and Other Users”. In some Windows operating systems, the option may show “Other Users”.
• Choose the “Add Account” option. It is beside the “Add other user” section.
• Click the option “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
• Now, select the option on the next page, “Add user without a Microsoft Account.
• Now, add a username, password, and password hint.
• Now, select the security questions.
• Click the “Next” button and head to the “Account Settings” option again.
• Now, choose the option “Local Account” prepared under the segment “Family and Other Users”.
• Select the option “Change Account Type.
• Next, under the “Account Type” section, choose the option “Administrator”.
• To save the changes, select the “OK” button.
• Now, log in to the system with the new admin account.
• Check if updating and installing QuickBooks with the new admin account is possible. In case it is unsuccessful, move on to the next solution.

Solution 6: Edit Windows Permissions for the Company File Folder

Provide the required access to the file to prevent the Installer error 1321. Here are the steps to modify Windows permissions for the company file folder:

• On your system, click the “Run” box. Press the keys “Windows + R” together.
• An Open Field is displayed. Add the company files folder location.
• Now, click the “Enter” button.

The following file locations are displayed on the system:

For 32-bit versions of Windows (10, 8, 7)

Desktop Enterprise

1. C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 20.0
2. C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 19.0
3. C:\Program Files\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 18.0

Pro and Premier

1. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2020
2. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2019
3. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks 2018

Point of Sale

1. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 12.0
2. C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 11.0

For 64-bit versions of Windows (10, 8, 7)

Desktop Enterprise

1. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 20.0
2. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 19.0
3. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\Enterprise Solutions 18.0

Pro and Premier

1. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2020
2. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2019
3. C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks 2018

Point of Sale

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 12.0
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks Point of Sale 11.0

• Next, click the “View” tab.
• Shift to the “Customize this folder” option in the screen that appears.
• In the “Properties” screen, head to the “Security” tab.
• Click the option “Administrators”.
• Now, choose the checkbox “Allow”, beside the “Full Control” option.
• Select the “System User” option again from the “Security” button.
• Choose the checkbox “Allow”, beside the “Full Control” option.
• Exit the “Properties” screen by clicking the “OK” button.
• Now, attempt to install the QuickBooks application.

Conclusion

In this guide, QuickBooks Installer Error 1321 has been explained. The causes and their effective solutions have been shared in this guide. To fix the issue successfully, users need to implement the steps in the given order. Still, if there is a query or doubt, feel free to reach out to our team of QuickBooks experts at SMBAccountants.com.

Frequently Asked Questions