How to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 1406?

QuickBooks Error 1406 occurs when the software is unable to access certain system files or components, typically due to security software or incorrect settings. Common causes include antivirus interference, missing or incorrect registry entries, and improper access permissions for required files.

To fix this error, users need to ensure their system is set up correctly. Prerequisites include temporarily disabling antivirus software, checking for necessary Windows updates, and ensuring QuickBooks has the correct file access permissions. Early signs of this error include system slowdowns or QuickBooks failing to open or run properly. Check out these 9 effective solutions to fix QuickBooks Error Code 1406 quickly.

Solution 1: Switch off your antivirus or security software

Disabling antivirus software prevents it from blocking QuickBooks components, helping resolve the QuickBooks Error 1406. Follow these steps:

• Locate your antivirus software icon on your computer.
• Right-click the icon and choose the option to disable or turn off the protection.
• Restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks and check if the error 1406 is resolved.

Solution 2: Fix Windows Registry

Fixing registry entries ensures QuickBooks has proper access to necessary files, preventing errors related to permissions or settings. Here are the steps for fixing the Windows Registry:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run window.

• Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Go to the following path:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\iaSTOR.
• Check that all keys are assigned to the Administrators group.
• Close the Registry Editor to complete the process.

Solution 3: Use QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool

This tool automatically resolves installation problems by detecting and repairing missing or corrupted QuickBooks components. Check out the steps to use this tool:

• Download the QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool from the Intuit website.
• Save the file. 
• Now, run the tool on your computer.
• Restart your computer to check if QuickBooks Error 1406 is resolved.

Solution 4: Check for Windows Updates

Installing Windows updates ensures your system has the latest features and security fixes, which may resolve compatibility issues. Follow these steps:

• Type “update” in the search bar.
• Open the update window and click on the update icon.
• Click “Check for updates.”
• View the list of available updates.
• Select the updates you want to download.
• Download the selected updates.
• Restart your system to install the updates.

Solution 5: Provide Access Permission

Granting proper permissions for QuickBooks files ensures the program can access necessary data, fixing error 1406. Check out how by following the steps given below:

• Press Windows + E to open Windows Explorer.
• Go to Organize > Folder and Search Options.
• In the new window, click the View tab and select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
• Uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) and click OK.
• Go to C:/Users/All Users/Microsoft/Office/Data.
• Right-click the opa12.dat file (for Office 2007) or data.dat file (for Office 2003).
• Select Properties > Security.
• Click Advanced and then tap Permissions.
• Click the pencil icon to edit and check the box for Full Control.
• Click OK to save changes.

Solution 6: Giving Permissions for the data.dat File

Changing the permissions of the data.dat file ensures QuickBooks can read and write to it, resolving access issues. Here are the steps to provide permissions for the data.dat file:

• Press Windows + E to open Windows Explorer.
• Click Organize, then select Folder and Search Options.
• Go to the View tab and select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

• Check Hide protected operating system files and click OK.
• Go to C:/Users/All Users/Microsoft/Office/Data.
• Right-click the opa12.dat file (for Office 2007) or data.dat file (for Office 2003).
• Select Properties, then go to the Security tab.
• Click Advanced and tap Permissions.
• Choose Permission entries and click Edit.

• Check the box for Full Control and click OK.
  

Solution 7: Disable the Antivirus Software

Here are the steps to temporarily disable the antivirus so that it does not interfere with QuickBooks, allowing it to run smoothly without issues. 

• Right-click the antivirus icon on your system.
• Select the option to turn off or disable antivirus protection.
• Restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks and check if the issue is resolved.

Solution 8: Restore the System

Restoring the system to an earlier point can undo changes that caused QuickBooks Error 1406, bringing back a working setup. Check these steps:

• Open the Start menu and select Programs.
• Go to System Tools and choose System Restore.

• Click Next.
• Select the most recent system restore point and click Next.
• In the confirmation window, click Next again.
• The system restore process will start and may take some time.
• The system will restart automatically during the process.
• Once complete, reopen QuickBooks and check if the error 1406 is resolved.

Solution 9: Use Clean Install Tool or System Configuration

Follow the steps given below to perform a clean install of QuickBooks or adjust system settings to ensure no conflicts, resolving installation-related errors like QuickBooks Desktop Error 1406: 

• Press Win + R to open the Run window.

• Type MSconfig and click OK.
• Select Selective Startup and check Load Startup Items under the General tab.
• Go to the Services tab and click Hide All Microsoft Services.
• Disable all services, except for the Windows Installer.
• Restart your computer.
• Use the Clean Install Tool to uninstall and reinstall QuickBooks.
• After installation, return to Normal Startup in MSconfig and click OK.
• Restart your system and check if the issue is resolved.
  

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error 1406?

Before you start fixing QuickBooks Error 1406, go through the guidelines given below:

• Close QuickBooks Desktop before starting any troubleshooting steps.
• Restart your computer to ensure a fresh system state.
• Make sure you have the latest QuickBooks product updates installed.
• Run QuickBooks as an administrator to avoid permission issues.
• Ensure your system meets all the requirements to run QuickBooks properly.
• Check for any conflicting software, such as antivirus programs, that might block QuickBooks.

How to Identify QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 1406?

Here’s how you can identify QuickBooks Error Code 1406:

• QuickBooks Desktop Error Code 1406 indicates a data truncation issue, where data exceeds the allowed size for a column.
• The error message displayed is: “Data truncation error 1406 – Data too long for column.”
• This error typically occurs when QuickBooks tries to process data that doesn’t fit within predefined limits in the database.
• Users may experience issues when entering or updating data, and the system will stop processing until the error is resolved.

How to Prevent QuickBooks Error 1406?

Preventive care to avoid facing QuickBooks Error Code 1406 in future are as follows:

• Set proper file permissions to allow QuickBooks to access necessary files without restrictions.
• Avoid accessing QuickBooks company files from external media or another computer unless correctly configured.
• Regularly check for system updates and install them to keep your operating system compatible with QuickBooks.
• Disable antivirus software temporarily if it interferes with QuickBooks to prevent blocking important processes.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks Desktop Error 1406?

Users can seek professional help for QuickBooks Error Code 1406 if none of the solutions mentioned in this article. In case this error persists. It can be harmful for your company data, so seek professional help immediately.