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Initialization file is not writable. Cannot continue.Tag(s): Common problems


On XP, you may receive a Message Box with the message "Initialization file is not writable. Cannot continue." when starting Powerbuilder in a USER account.

PB is installed in Program Files\Sybase and by default will use the PB.INI located in Program Files\Sybase\Powerbuilder n.nn which is a protected area when running with a non-admin account. So PB can't update its PB.INI file.

You can start PB from an ADMIN account but a better soltuion is to tell to PB to use an alternate location for PB.INI where regular USER account can write.

Add this key (with regedit)

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Sybase\PowerBuilder\9.0]
InitPath="the path to user PB.INI eg. c:\dev\pb9"