In TaxSlayer Pro, the Program Backup Utility is used to make a complete backup of the entire TaxSlayer folder to a secondary drive, such as a thumb drive or external hard drive, as well as restore the entire folder. 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.
Since this utility is also used to restore the TaxSlayer folder, caution should be exercised when restoring 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.
When you invoke the Program Backup Utility, TaxSlayer Pro quits, so don't select it in the menu until you are ready to use it.
Check the drive to ensure it's big enough
Before backing up, it's a good idea to be sure that the drive you are backing up to has enough free space to accommodate the backup. Here's how to see how much space you need:
- Plug the backup drive into the PC if that hasn't already been done.
- Open a Windows File Explorer window. One way to do this is to right-click the Start menu and choose "File Explorer".
- In the left column click your PC's name to show the list of "Devices and drives" on the PC. The PC's name is often This PC but yours may be different.
- Right-click the drive you're backing up to and choose Properties.
- Note the amount of free space available.
- In the same File Explorer window navigate to the drive TaxSlayer Pro is installed on (typically the C drive).
- Right-click the TaxSlayer folder and choose Properties.
- Note the amount listed for Size on disk. This is the size of the data that will be backed up.
If the size of the TaxSlayer folder is greater than the free space on your storage device, you'll need to either free up some additional space on the device or use a different device.
Backing up
When you're ready to back up, plug the backup drive into the PC 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, in the left menu click your PC.
- Right-click the backup drive and choose "Eject". When Windows tells you it's okay to remove the drive, remove it and store it safely.
Restoring
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 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.
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