System file path doesn't save changes or access denied error changing NetDir.wY in Lacerte

Before you start:

• This article references default installation paths and uses YY to reference the tax year in 20YY format. C: will always indicate the local drive and X: will always indicate the network drive.

This requires modification of the Windows Registry. Serious problems may occur if the registry is modified incorrectly. Intuit strongly recommends having an IT professional make these changes if you are not comfortable with editing the registry. It's also strongly recommended to make a backup of the registry before proceeding. See here for further instruction.

When changing the system file path in Lacerte, one of the following things happens:

• The program closes and reopens, but the system file path hasn't changed.
• When changing the path in the NetDir.wY file, an Access Denied error message appears.

There are a few possible solutions to these issues.

Follow these steps to set the appropriate permissions to the Lacerte folder:

1. Close Lacerte.
2. Browse to the Lacerte folder using the Windows search box in the taskbar.
   • For example, C:\Lacerte.
3. Right-click on the YYTax folder of the affected year and select Properties.
4. Go to the Security tab.
5. Select Edit.
6. Highlight the user in the list, or click Add to add a new user group called Everyone.
7. Check the Allow box next to Full Control.
8. Select OK, and then OK again.
9. Open Lacerte.
10. Try changing the system file path again.
    • If these steps didn't resolve the issue, proceed with the next set of instructions.

Follow these steps to add the EnableLinkedConnections registry key:

1. Close Lacerte.
2. Press the Windows key+R to open the Run app.
3. Type in REGEDIT and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
4. Browse to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System folder.
5. Right-click in the right side pane, choose New and click DWORD Value. 
6. Name it EnableLinkedConnections and hit Enter.
7. Open the new key, set the Value to 1, and then click OK.
8. Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.
9. Open Lacerte.
10. Try changing the system file path again.
    • If these steps didn't resolve the issue, proceed with the next set of instructions.

Follow these steps to rename the tax folder and reinstall the program:

1. Close Lacerte.
2. Browse to the Lacerte folder using the Windows search box in the taskbar.
   • For example, C:\Lacerte.
3. Right click on the YYTax folder of the affected year and select Rename.
4. Change the name of the folder to YYTax-old.
5. Reinstall the program from the server by running the TaxSetup.exe located in the network folder.
   • For example, Y:\Lacerte\YYTax\taxsetup.exe.
6. Open Lacerte.
7. Try changing the system file path again.