Error 1303: "Installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . C:\...\Intuit"

When installing QuickBooks, the following error occurs:

Error 1303: Installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . "C:\...\Intuit"

This error can occur if either the SYSTEM group or the Everyone group does not have Full Control privileges for the directory mentioned in the error. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . For more information about this error, please visit Microsoft knowledgebase article 228658.

You can download and use the PermissionsFix.bat utility to correct the permissions or manually correct the permissions.

Important for Windows Vista users: Due to differences in file structures and permissions, the utility will not work with Vista. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . If you are experiencing this issue in Vista, manually adjust the permissions.

To resolve this issue:

Use the utility

1. Click the following link: PermissionsFix.bat.
2. Click Save and save the file to the Windows desktop of the affected system.
3. Double-click the saved file. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . A DOS window opens with the prompt "Running this script will reset to the default settings the permissions of the affected folders. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Are you sure you want to continue? (Y/N)"
4. Enter y at prompt. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Be sure to enter a lowercase y. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Entering an uppercase Y returns an error.
5. When the process completes, press Enter to exit the DOS window.
6. Insert the QuickBooks CD and attempt the installation again.

Manually adjust permissions

To manually change permissions to Full Control for the SYSTEM and Everyone groups for the folder C:\Documents and Settings\All Users:

Microsoft Windows Vista:

1. Click the Windows Start button.
2. In the Start Search field, enter the path C:\ProgramData\COMMON FILES\ and click OK. A window opens and displays the folder contents.
3. In the Folder window, click Organize and then choose Properties.
4. In the Properties window, click the Security tab.
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Click the Edit button.
7. Scroll down the list of Permission entries and double-click the SYSTEM user.
8. Select the checkbox for the Full Control row in the Allow column and click OK. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Repeat steps 7 and 8 with the Everyone group (if it exists).
9. Check the checkbox labeled Replace all existing inheritable permissions on all descendants with inheritable permissions from this object. Click OK in both the Advanced Security Settings window and again in the COMMON FILES Properties window.
10. Install QuickBooks.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition:

1. Click the Windows Start button and choose Run.
2. In the Open field, enter the path C:\Documents and Settings\All Users and click OK. A window opens and displays the folder contents.
3. In the Folder window, click View and then choose Customize This Folder.
4. In the Properties window, click the Security tab.
5. Click the Advanced button.
6. Scroll down the list of Permission entries and double-click the SYSTEM user.
7. Select the checkbox for the Full Control row in the Allow column and click OK. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Repeat this step with the Everyone group (if it exists).
8. Select the Replace permission entries on all child objects with the entries shown here that apply to child objects checkbox. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Click OK in the Advanced Security Settings window and again in the All Users Properties window.
9. Install QuickBooks.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition:

1. Restart the computer in Safe Mode:
   1. Turn off the computer if it is running, wait 30 seconds and then restart it.
   2. Immediately start pressing the F8 key. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . The Windows Advanced Options Menu displays. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . If you begin pressing F8 too soon, some computers display a keyboard error message. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . If this occurs, restart the computer and try again.
   3. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode.
   4. Press Enter. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . (You might need to press Enter again if prompted to select an operating system.)
   5. Log in to Windows using a profile that has Administrator rights, but not the Windows-created user called Administrator.
2. Click the Start button and choose Run.
3. In the Open field, enter the path C:\Documents and Settings\All Users and click OK. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . A window opens and displays the folder contents.
4. In the Folder window, click View and then choose Customize This Folder.
5. In the Properties window, click the Security tab. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Note: If the Security tab is not available, the system is not running in Safe Mode. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . See step 1 for instructions on starting in Safe Mode.
6. Click the Advanced button.
7. Scroll down the list of Permission entries and double-click the SYSTEM user.
8. Select the checkbox for the Full Control row in the Allow column and click OK. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Repeat this step with the Everyone group (if it exists).
9. Select the Replace permission entries on all child objects with the entries shown here that apply to child objects checkbox. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Click OK in the Advanced Security Settings window and again in the All Users Properties window.
10. Restart the computer.
11. Install QuickBooks.

If you still can't install QuickBooks error 1303 persists, turn off simple file sharing. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Note: These steps don't apply to Windows XP Home as simple file sharing is always on and has no way to be turned off.

To turn off simple file sharing:

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Explore.
2. In the Explorer window, choose the Tools menu and choose Folder Options.
3. Click the View tab and scroll to the bottom of the Advanced Settings list.
4. Click Use simple file sharing (recommended) to clear the checkbox.
5. Click OK and install QuickBooks.

If this solution does not resolve the issue, you can read discussions and post messages and questions relating to your issue on the Intuit QuickBooks Community site for free or you can contact a technical support agent for additional guidance. 1303, insufficient privileges, install error, installer error, can't access directory, permissions, . Fees may apply.