In TaxSlayer Pro, the Program Backup/Restore Utility makes a complete backup of the TaxSlayer folder to a secondary drive, such as a thumb drive or external hard drive. This includes all program years along with their associated returns and attached images and PDFs. Thus, this backup could take some time to complete and is generally not run during the workday but afterwards. This utility is also used to restore the TaxSlayer folder, but caution should be used as it will overwrite existing data, if any.
If you are using TaxSlayer Pro in a networked environment, this backup must be run on the computer designated as the File Server. Running it on a Workstation computer won't save return data since the returns are stored on the File Server.
Invoking the Program Backup Utility quits TaxSlayer Pro, so don't select it in the menu until you are ready to use it. When you're ready to back up, install the backup drive and note the drive letter that Windows assigns to the drive. Then, from the Quick Menu of TaxSlayer Pro select:
- Utilities
- Program Backup Utility - at this point TaxSlayer Pro will quit and the Program Backup/Restore Utility will begin:
- Select the Target Drive (in this example, drive M), then click Start.
- When the backup is complete, click OK and close the utility.
- In a Windows File Explorer window, select "This PC". Right-click on the backup drive and choose "Eject". When Windows tells you it's okay to remove the drive, remove it and store it safely.
Restoring is a similar process:
- Utilities
- Program Backup Utility - at this point TaxSlayer Pro will quit and the Program Backup/Restore Utility will begin.
- Select the Restore button:
- Select the Target Drive (typically drive C), then click Start.
- When the backup is complete, click OK and close the utility.
- Your files will now have been restored to a directory on the Target Drive with the name TaxSlayer Pro_Restore
- In a Windows File Explorer window, select "This PC". Right-click on the backup drive and choose "Eject". When Windows tells you it's okay to remove the drive, remove it and store it safely.
You will need assistance getting your office up and running after having restored TaxSlayer Pro to a new computer. Call our Pro support staff to arrange an appointment with one of our tech support specialists at 706.868.0985.
Additional Information:
