Cannot save my incomplete 2025 Federal return

[greghudson1]

Cannot save my incomplete 2025 Federal return. I select File/Save and File/Save As. Responds that File not found, no matter where or what name I use with the extension provided .tt25

[LindaS5247]

To fix this, try running TurboTax as an Administrator, while saving it to your Desktop. Close your TurboTax program and right-click the TurboTax icon and select "Run as administrator".

Please return to Community if you have any additional information or questions and we would be happy to help.
 

[greghudson1]

If I choose exit the program, I am asked to save, which I cannot do. Get same error "File not found".

If I force an exit, then I lose any information I've input. 

[mesquitebean]

@greghudson1 

"no matter where or what name I use with the extension provided .tt25"

Where'd you come up with that extension???   TurboTax data files in the USA end in *.tax2025 so that's confusing.

Or are you by any chance using the Canadian version of TurboTax?   See my next comment below.

[mesquitebean]

@ greghudson1 

Or are you by any chance using the Canadian version of TurboTax?   This is the USA community forum.   TurboTax Canada does have a *.tt25 file.   If using USA TurboTax, how'd you come up with that file extension?

[greghudson1]

Sorry it plugs in the extension *.tax2025

[mesquitebean]

@ greghudson1   I just searched other threads.  Some other users in the forum said this was causing their issue.  I don't know if this is what is causing your issue, but only providing the info, just in case.

Are you using Windows and using Windows Defender for your security?   If so, do you have "Controlled Folder Access"  turned on in the Windows Security settings?   If so, it may be blocking various apps, but you may be able to leave it on and configure it to allow TurboTax through.   

So if that's your situation, here's how to check:

Windows Security > Virus and threat protection > Ransomware protection > Controlled folder access 

If that toggle is turned on, then there should be a link to "Allow an app through controlled folder access"

Does it show TurboTax as blocked?  Then see what choices you have there to configure it to allow TurboTax.

[greghudson1]

I went ahead and exited without saving, So unfortunately lost my federal input and had to start over as a result.

Restarting a new filing has fixed the file save issue, Unfortunately I can't explain doing anything differently.  Just wish I had tried saving before going so far down the path. Lesson learned 🙂

No worries, I REALY appreciate your prompt responses. 

Thank you!

[mesquitebean]

You're welcome. I'm glad you got it solved by exiting and relaunching, but sorry you had to start over.   This time, soon after you start a new return and enter your personal info, go ahead and save it and exit TurboTax.  Then open it back up, and if all is well, hopefully continue, while saving periodically.

BTW, I normally save an extra copy of my return data file after every work session on a thumb drive (or other external storage)--just in case.  I've seen several anecdotes in this forum of unexplained missing data files, hardware crashes, etc.    Good luck.