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ProSeries Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install ProSeries on a new computer?

Products Affected:

• ProSeries
• ProSeries Express Edition
• ProSeries Basic Edition

When you purchase a new computer, you will need to install the ProSeries tax software on the new computer and then copy your client files from the old computer to the new computer. ProSeries does not support moving or copying the ProSeries tax software to a new computer.

Old Computer: Backup Client Files | Copy Client Files and Program Settings

New Computer: Install ProSeries Tax Software | Copy Client Files and Program Settings

Before you begin, we recommend that you have the following available:

• Appropriate ProSeries CDs - For tax year 2006, use your latest ProSeries CD. For prior years, you can use the Archive CD for that tax year. (If you do not have your ProSeries CD, manual downloads for products you have already purchased may be found on My ProSeries.)
• Removable Storage or Network Drive - Removable storage or a network drive that can be read by both computers with enough space for your client data files and program settings. (For additional information, please consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local computer consultant.)
• Customer Number and Zip Code - Your customer number and zip code in your ProSeries tax software for each tax year you will be installing on your new computer. (Go to the Tools menu, select Options, select General, and click the Customer Information button. Write down your Customer Number and Zip Code, then click Cancel and Cancel. Your customer number may be different in prior years.)
• Access/Install Codes, when applicable - In tax year 2004, ProSeries began using a product licensing system which no longer required access/install codes for most 2004 and later tax software. If you are installing 2003 or earlier ProSeries tax software, have your access/install codes handy. These codes can usually be found on your original packing slips. If you cannot locate your ProSeries install/access codes, you may be able to find them in My ProSeries or by contacting ProSeries Customer Service. What is product licensing?
• Printed Instructions - We recommend that you print these instructions. Click the blue Print button on this page, then in the Print dialog box click Print. Click X in the upper right corner to close the window.

On your old computer backup your ProSeries client files:

1. Open ProSeries, if it is not already open.
2. As a safeguard, we recommend that you backup your ProSeries client files to removable storage or a network drive using the ProSeries Copy/Backup Client Files feature. How do I copy or backup my client files using ProSeries?
3. Repeat these steps for each tax year you will be putting on your new computer. Client files for each tax year should be saved to separate folders.

On your old computer copy your ProSeries client files and program settings to the removable storage or network drive:

1. Attention PPR Users: If you use ProSeries pay-per-return (PPR) products, open ProSeries and print your audit report before you backup your files. (Go to the Tools menu and choose Pay Per Return. Click Print audit report, then Close.)
2. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the appropriate ProSeries folder. The default folders are (where XX represents the tax year):
   • ProSeries Standalone Default = ProWinXX 
   • ProSeries Network Default = ProNetXX 
   • ProSeries Express Edition Standalone Default = ExpWinXX 
   • ProSeries Express Edition Network Default = ExpWinXX 
   • ProSeries Basic Edition Default = BasWinXX  
3. In Windows Explorer, make a copy of the XXData, Common, and HomeBase folders to the removable storage or network drive.
4. Repeat these steps for each tax year you will be putting on your new computer. Folders for each tax year should be saved to separate folders

On your new computer install your ProSeries tax software:

1. Insert the appropriate ProSeries CD in your CD drive and install your ProSeries software as you normally would. Remember to install all your federal and state tax products. (For the current tax year, use your latest ProSeries CD. For prior years, you can use the Archive CD for that tax year.) How do I install and update ProSeries software from the CD?
2. If you do not have your ProSeries CD, manual downloads for products you have already purchased, may be found on My ProSeries. How do I download and install products from My ProSeries?
3. Open ProSeries. License and update your ProSeries software as you normally would.(Newer releases of Windows may need to be configure to run older releases of ProSeries. Please consult Microsoft's instructions or contact your local computer consultant for assistance configuring Windows.)
4. Close ProSeries.
5. Repeat these steps for each tax year you will be installing on your new computer.

On your new computer copy your client files and program settings from the removable storage or network drive:

1. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the appropriate ProSeries folder and rename the following folders (where XX represents the tax year):
   1. Rename the XXData folder to OldXXData
   2. Rename the Common folder to OldCommon
   3. Rename the HomeBase folder to OldHomeBase
2. Insert the removable storage or connect to the network drive. In Windows Explorer, copy the XXData, Common, and HomeBase folders from the removable storage or network drive to your new computer (below the appropriate ProSeries program folder).
3. Open ProSeries. Verify that the information displayed in HomeBase on the new computer matches the information on your old computer, including electronic filing and bank products information. Verify that your firm and preparer information is correct. Try opening, saving, and printing an existing return. Randomly check other features and additional information in returns and letters.
4. Repeat these steps for each tax year you will be putting on your new computer.

Note: If the information on the new computer does not match the information on your old computer, restore your ProSeries client files from the backup you made earlier using the ProSeries Copy/Backup Client Files feature. Follow these steps:

1. Close ProSeries, if not already closed. 
2. On your new computer use Windows Explorer, navigate to the appropriate ProSeries folder and rename the following folders (where XX represents the tax year):
   • Rename the XXData folder to Old1XXData
   • Rename the Common folder to Old1Common
   • Rename the HomeBase folder to Old1HomeBase
   • Rename the OldXXData folder to XXData
   • Rename the OldCommon folder to Common
   • Rename the OldHomeBase folder to HomeBase
3. On the new computer open ProSeries. You should see a blank HomeBase.
4. Use the ProSeries Restore Client Files feature, restore the ProSeries client files that you backed up earlier using the ProSeries Copy/Backup Client Files feature. (ProSeries or ProSeries Express users be sure to select "All Tax Returns" in the Type field.) How do I restore my client files using ProSeries?
5. Attention PPR Users: If you use ProSeries pay-per-return (PPR) products, fax your audit report to ProSeries Customer Service at 800-284-7418. After faxing your audit report, please wait about 5-10 minutes before contacting Customer Service at 800-374-7317 to have your account balance restored on your new computer.
6. If you electronically file returns, be sure to print any reports you will need from your old computer.
7. Repeat these steps for each tax year that has mismatched information.

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