In QuickBooks 2012, an error message is appearing when trying to enter a transaction. After a user has set the closing date, an error message will appear when a user tries to enter a transaction.

The message states that you do not have permission to post transactions in a closed period. 

The way QuickBooks interprets the date format has changed in QuickBooks 2012. It now uses the date format that is specified in your computer settings.

The regional settings of the computer that set the closing date are not stored in the company file, so QuickBooks assumes the date format is the same as the current system settings.

• For example, a QuickBooks user whose Windows regional settings are set to U.S. enters a closing date of September 12th 2011(09/12/2011).
  
  Another QuickBooks user on a different computer, whose Windows  regional settings are set to Canada, tries to post a transaction in the same company file. QuickBooks will not allow this because the closing date of 09/12/2011 (U.S. Settings) would be read as December 09th, 2011 (Canada settings), which is in the future.
  
  It is important to note that the reverse is also true.

To fix the error, make sure all computer workstations accessing company files are set to the same regional settings.

Windows 7 / Vista

1. Open the Windows Control Panel and double-click on Regional and Language Options. Typically, you can get to the Control Panel from the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
2. On the Formats tab, for the current format, select "English (Canada)".
3. On the Location tab, for the current location, select "Canada".
4. Click OK.

Windows XP

1. Open the Windows Control Panel and double-click on Regional and Language Options. Typically, you can get to the Control Panel from the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
2. On the Regional Options tab, change the following:
   
   1. In Standards and formats, where you are asked to select an item to match its preferences, select "English (Canada)".
   2. In Location, select "Canada".
       
3. On the Advanced tab, where you are asked to select a language for non-Unicode programs, select "English (Canada)":
4. Click OK.