Message: Attempt to write a read only database


Reference Number: KB-03008
Last Modified: July 16, 2021

The information in this article applies to:

Chief Architect Premier or Chief Architect InteriorsHome Designer Professional or Home Designer Architectural or Home Designer Suite



QUESTION

When I try to launch my Chief Architect software program, I receive a warning that states:

"..\source\LibraryDatabase.cpp(2577): Error #272032176
attempt to write a read only database"

Why am I receiving this error message, and how do I resolve it?


ANSWER

If you are receiving this warning, then it means that your user account does not have permission to write files to a location that the program needs to be able to access.


To resolve the error on a Windows computer

  • If you have recently upgraded your Microsoft operating system, the most common reason for receiving this error is due to a specific Windows 10 setting called Controlled Folder Access. Please follow the instructions in the following resource: Troubleshooting Error Messages Associated With the Program's Data Folder.

  • If following the steps in the resource above didn't resolve the issue, please view the following Microsoft resource and scroll down to the Resolution section for Issue 3 titled "I cannot open a file or folder after I upgrade to a new version of Windows.": "Access Denied" or other errors when you access or work with files and folders in Windows

    Note: The resolution steps for Windows 8 also apply to Windows 10, although the Microsoft article had not yet been updated as of the creation of this Chief Architect article.

  • If you have not recently upgraded your Microsoft Windows operating system, then you are likely receiving this warning because you are signed in to a limited user account. If possible, sign in under the Administrator account instead and attempt to launch the software, or contact your IT department to adjust your permissions accordingly.


To resolve the error on a Mac

  • It's possible that the Chief Architect program doesn't have Full Disk Access. Please follow the instructions in the following resource: Troubleshooting Error Messages Associated With the Program's Data Folder.

  • If following the steps in the resource above didn't resolve the issue, please check to ensure that you are signed in to the computer with an Account that has administrative rights. If you are not, contact your IT department to request that your permissions be adjusted accordingly.

  • If you are signed in to the computer as an Administrator, then you may need to repair the storage device.

    Please view the following Apple resource to learn more: Repair a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac