Move to a new computer / workstation / server
The simplest method for moving any GA-TaxPro software from one workstation to another is by copying the entire S_TaxGAw folder from the “old” computer and then pasting it onto the “new” computer in the exact same location (drive+folder).
If you paste into a different drive and/or folder then, that will negate the simplicity of the operation. Of course, you can change the drive/folder for the “new” computer but, you will have a few more steps to perform.
Simple method:
Copy and paste the entire S_TaxGAw folder (with all the sub-folders included). Be sure to match the drive/folder combinations on the target workstation with that of the source. (The default is C:\S_TaxGAw but, if you are moving from one server to another, the drive letters will probably be something other than “C:”)
Next, install the update from the most recent release – even if the copy you have just pasted is the most recent release. There are processes and Windows registry entries that are not obvious but, our update/installation program takes care of all of that for you.
Lastly, run the program named “S-TaxUtility.exe” on the new workstation. This program can be found in the S_TaxGAw folder. The importance of this step is to install the fonts and Help system files which MUST be installed on each workstation as they are specific to the copy of Windows that the workstation is running.
Start the GA-Tax program and verify that your data is connected and visible to the software. (Since the copy/paste method carries with it all the configuration information for your office, you should see all your clients and returns.) If your program is running and the data is there, you’re done!
Advanced configuration:
Sometimes, the situation is different than the above simple method will accommodate.
It is vitally important that you know the full path of your existing data! The configuration file for GA-TaxPro software contains two vital elements that may need to be edited before the software will run correctly and your existing data is available to the GA-TaxPro system. These two elements are the paths to (1) the program folder and (2) the data folder:
In your program folder for GA-TaxPro is a utility program to help you edit this information named “EditSetup.exe”.
You may use this program to change the location of your GA-TaxPro data folder from the previous installation to accommodate more advanced configuration situations. (Note: This program is “friendly” in that it allows you to browse to the location and there is no “penalty” for choosing the wrong location – you must simply try again to navigate to the correct location.)