The following guide should help you resolve the following two errors:
  • Operation must use an updateable query.
  • Cannot update. Database or object is read-only.
These errors may occur when you try to Insert, Update or Delete records in an Access database via a user account (typically IUSR_machinename) that does not have sufficient permissions.

To prevent these errors, follow these steps (note: The following is being performed from a Windows XP Professional system. The steps are very similar to that of Windows 2000, and the Windows Server family. However, the steps are very different for Windows Vista).

1. Find the Access database file (.mdb) that you are using.
2. Right-click the file and select "Properties" from the context menu.
3. Select the "Security" tab.
4. On this screen you will see a list of users and/or groups with permissions assigned. Click the "Add" button.

5. Select the IUSR_computername user and click "OK".

6. Confirm the user and click "OK" again.

7. Finally, ensure the IUSR account has Read and Write permissions on the database.


When dealing with Windows XP, you may notice that you don't have the Security Tab. This could be for one of two reasons: You don't have Windows XP Professional (i.e. Home Edition doesn't have this ability), or you have "Simple File Sharing" enabled.


If you have Windows XP Home Edition, then you must upgrade to Professional to use this. If you have Simple File Sharing enabled, perform the following steps:
  1. In Windows Explorer, Go to "Tools", "Folder Options".
  2. Click the "View" tab.
  3. Uncheck "Use simple file sharing" and click OK.
You should now be able to Insert, Update and Delete operations on your Access database.