How to install Lacerte on a new computer

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This article will help you bring over your client files, settings, and options when you get a new standalone computer—or install and configure a new computer on your existing network.

Installing on a new standalone computer

When you purchase a new computer, you'll need to back up your data from your old computer, install the program on your new computer, then restore your data.

Step 1 - Back up your client files, settings, and options

The Lacerte Tool Hub has a backup utility that will allow you to backup your client files and options at the same time. For more information, see: How to use the Lacerte Backup utility in Lacerte Tool Hub

Use the articles below to back up client files, settings, and options:

1. Backing Up Client Files
2. Backup program settings and options

Next, use the steps below to install on your new computer.

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Step 2 - Install on your new computer

To install on your new computer, you'll need to download the prep files and the program using the articles below:

1. Download your prep files: How to download and install prep files
   • For 1990-2015, the prep files are unlocked and contains blank firm information
   • For 2016-2019, the prep files are unlocked, but will have your firm's information.
2. Download the program: How to download and install
   • If you need to install prior year programs: How to download and install prior-year

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Step 3 - Restore your clients and options

If you backed up your data using the Lacerte Backup utility in the Lacerte Tool Hub, you can extract the files from the Zip file into the corresponding tax year folders. This will put your options and data in place directly.

Use the articles below to restore your clients and options on the new computer:

1. Restoring clients in the program
2. Restore program settings and options
   • Use the second set of instructions on this article to restore your settings from a backup.

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Installing on a new workstation in a network installation

• This article references default installation paths and uses YY to reference the tax year in 20YY format. C: will always indicate the local drive and X: will always indicate the network drive.

1. Go to the computer that needs Lacerte installed.
2. Hold down the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run application.
3. Type the Shared file path for your network to start the installation.
   • The default path is X:\Lacerte\24Tax\setup24\taxsetup.exe.
   • If you're unsure of the path, go to another computer that already has the program installed and press F10 while in the program. On the System Information tab, look for the System file path.
4. Press Enter to run taxsetup.exe from the specified path.
5. Click Next to accept the default local path.
6. Click Install to begin the installation.

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I'm not seeing the downloads page

If you don't see the downloads page on MyAccount, you've likely defaulted to a Learn & Support role. Your firm administrator will need to update your role to Employee so you'll have the minimum permissions required. If you're a firm administrator, click here to see how to use role management.

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