How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12 0

Resolving QuickBooks Error -12, 0: "This Action Requires Windows Administrator Permissions"

QuickBooks Error-12, 0 is a permissions-related issue that prevents the software from performing essential tasks, often appearing with the message: *"We’re sorry, QuickBooks encountered a problem. Error codes (-12, 0)."* This error typically indicates that QuickBooks cannot access the necessary system resources due to insufficient Windows administrator privileges or a misconfigured service.

This guide will help you understand the root causes and provide a systematic approach to resolving the error by correcting permissions and service configurations.

Description

Fix QuickBooks Error -12, 0 with our step-by-step guide. Learn how to resolve this administrator permission issue by adjusting services, permissions, and database settings.

Understanding the Root Causes

Error -12, 0 typically occurs due to one of these common issues:

• Insufficient User Permissions: The Windows user account lacks administrator rights, preventing QuickBooks from modifying files or accessing protected areas.

• Stopped QuickBooks Services: Critical background services like QBCFMonitorService or the QuickBooks Database Manager are not running.

• Incorrect Service Configuration: QuickBooks services are configured to run under a specific user account that lacks permissions instead of the more powerful Local System Account.

• File/Folder Permission Issues: The QuickBooks installation folder or company file directories do not have the proper "Full Control" permissions set for the user or the "Everyone" group.

• DNS Service Interference: In some network configurations, the DNS Client service can start too quickly and conflict with QuickBooks services during system boot.

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Systematic Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these solutions in order. Start with the simplest and most common fixes.

Solution 1: Run QuickBooks as an Administrator (The Quick Fix)

This is the most straightforward solution and should always be tried first.

1. Close QuickBooks completely.

2. Right-click the QuickBooks desktop icon and select "Run as administrator".

3. Confirm any User Account Control (UAC) prompts.

4. Attempt the action that was previously causing the error.

To make this permanent:

• Right-click the QuickBooks icon, select Properties.

• Go to the Compatibility tab.

• Check the box for "Run this program as an administrator".

• Click Apply and OK.

Solution 2: Verify Critical QuickBooks Services are Running

QuickBooks relies on several background services. If they are stopped, Error -12, 0 can occur.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. In the Services window, locate the following services:

   • QBCFMonitorService

   • QuickBooksDBXX (where "XX" is your version number)

3. For each service:

   • Right-click and select Properties.

   • If the "Service status" is not "Running," click the Start button.

   • Set the "Startup type" to Automatic.

   • Click Apply and OK.

Solution 3: Configure Services to Use the Local System Account

Services running under a limited user account can cause this error. Configuring them to use the system's full privileges often resolves it.

1. Open Services.msc as described in Solution 2.

2. Find and double-click the QuickBooksDBXX service.

3. Go to the Log On tab.

4. Select the radio button for "Local System account".

5. Check the box for "Allow service to interact with desktop".

6. Click Apply and OK. You will likely need to restart the service for changes to take effect.

Solution 4: Set Folder Permissions for QuickBooks

Granting "Full Control" to the QuickBooks folders ensures the application can read, write, and modify files as needed.

1. Navigate to your QuickBooks installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]).

2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.

3. Go to the Security tab.

4. Click Edit..., then Add....

5. Type Everyone in the object names field and click Check Names, then OK.

6. In the "Permissions for Everyone" section, check the box for "Full control".

7. Click Apply and OK. Confirm any security prompts.

Note: Also perform these steps on the folder containing your company files if the error is file-specific.

Solution 5: Delay the DNS Client Service (For Network Issues)

This advanced step can prevent a timing conflict during system startup that sometimes affects network-dependent services like QuickBooks.

1. Open Services.msc.

2. Find and double-click the DNS Client service.

3. In the "Startup type" dropdown, change it from Automatic to Automatic (Delayed Start).

4. Click Apply and OK.

5. Restart your computer for this change to take effect.

Solution 6: Use QuickBooks Database Server Manager

If you are in a multi-user environment, ensuring the Database Server Manager is properly configured is crucial.

1. Search for and open "QuickBooks Database Server Manager".

2. Go to the Scan Folders tab.

3. Click Browse and add the folder(s) that contain your company files (.QBW).

4. Click OK, then Start Scan. This updates the server's catalog and can resolve connectivity and permission issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the single most effective fix for Error -12, 0?

A: Running QuickBooks as an administrator (Solution 1) resolves the majority of cases. If the error persists, configuring the QuickBooksDB service to use the Local System Account (Solution 3) is the next most effective step.

Q: I'm the only user on my computer and I am an administrator. Why am I getting this error?

A: Even as an admin, User Account Control (UAC) can sometimes block access. The "Run as administrator" command elevates your privileges for that specific instance, bypassing this restriction. Additionally, the background services might be running under a different, less privileged account, which is addressed in Solution 3.

Q: Can this error be caused by low disk space?

A: While not a direct cause, critically low disk space can lead to a variety of unexpected errors, including file access issues. It's always good practice to ensure you have at least 2-3 GB of free space on your system drive.

Q: The error keeps coming back after I fix it. What should I do?

A: A recurring error suggests a deeper system configuration issue. Ensure all solutions are applied correctly, particularly making the "Run as administrator" setting permanent and verifying the QuickBooks services are set to start automatically. If it persists, a clean reinstall of QuickBooks may be necessary.

Final Recommendation

QuickBooks Error -12, 0 is a permissions hurdle, not a data corruption issue. Start with the simple act of running QuickBooks as an administrator. If that doesn't stick, focus on the service configurations (Solutions 2 & 3), as these are the most common underlying causes. By systematically adjusting these permissions and settings, you can resolve this error and restore full functionality to your QuickBooks software.