Schedule automatic updates with Lacerte's update scheduler for tax year 2023 and prior

Lacerte 2024 and newer years have a new update method. Auto Background updates is on by default, and automatically checks for and downloads updates. You can also schedule specific days and times to check. For more information, see New for 2024: Lacerte Background updates

This article explains how to automatically download Lacerte updates using the update scheduler in tax year 2023 and prior. With the scheduler you can:

• Schedule a specific time to download updates and see the date and time they become available.
• Allow it to periodically check for updates to selected products.
• Make sure the most up-to-date Lacerte products are installed on your computer throughout the year without interrupting your workflow.
• Automatically downloaded updates to be installed the next time you open Lacerte.

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To use update scheduler:

In a network environment, the update scheduler only needs to be enabled on one computer.

To schedule a time and date for update checks:

1. Double-click the  icon in the system navigation.
   • If you don't see the icon, select the Windows Start menu and search Update Scheduler.
2. Select the Schedule tab.
3. Make sure the Automatically download current year updates box is checked.
4. Select when you want the program to check for updates. The options are:
   • Daily - Recommended for standalone and small networks
   • Weekly - Recommended for larger networks
   • Monthly - Not recommended.
5. In the Time box, select the arrows to select the time of day during which you want the program to check for updates.
   • Typically you'll want to schedule updates at the end of the day while your computer is still on.
6. Select the Options tab and verify Start when Windows Starts is checked.
   • We recommend checking the current year product as well as all product versions up to two years prior.
7. Select Close when selections are complete.

The program will automatically check for updates based on your settings. Any updates will download in the background. Once the download is complete, the update will install the next time you open Lacerte.

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To turn off Update Scheduler:

1. Double-click the  icon in the system navigation and select the Options tab.
2. To turn off the update scheduler, clear the Start when Windows starts check box.
3. When asked if you are sure you wish to turn the program off, select OK.
4. Select Close.
5. Then right-click on the  icon in the System Tray and select Close window.

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Update scheduler vs. update notifications

The update scheduler is different than the Lacerte update notification settings found in the Tools menu under Lacerte updates...

• The Lacerte update notification setting notifies you of available updates only when you open the program or switch tax types. 
• The updates won't download until a user initiates the download.

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Update Scheduler errors

Update Scheduler appears off-screen or only on task bar

When the Update Scheduler is opening off-screen, you can activate the Windows move shortcut:

1. Select the Update Scheduler icon on the task bar.
2. Press Alt+Space.
3. Press the M key for Move.
4. Use the arrow keys to move the window until it can be seen.
   • If the monitor setup has changed, moving the window to the left or right will usually cause the window to show up on the screen.
5. Position the window in the desired location.
6. When the program is closed, its current position will be saved and the program will re-open in its current location.

If the move shortcut doesn't appear to be working, or if the issue reoccurs after moving the Update Scheduler, we can rename the Update Scheduler configuration files to reset its positioning:

1. Right-click the  icon in the system tray
2. Select Exit
3. Select the Windows Start button
4. Type: run
5. Select the Run application
6. In the run window, enter: %localappdata%
7. Select OK
8. Open the Lacerte folder
9. Rename the following 3 files:
   • UNEngine
   • UNLogItems
   • UNUpdates
10. Open the Update Scheduler

You'll need to reconfigure your update preferences

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System.InvalidOperationException: There is an error in XML document (0, 0).

This error typically appears when the configuration file for Update Scheduler is damaged. To resolve this issue:

1. Right-click the  icon in the system tray
2. Select Exit
3. Select the Windows Start button
4. Type: run
5. Select the Run application
6. In the run window, enter: %localappdata%
7. Select OK
8. Open the Lacerte folder
9. Rename the following 3 files:
   • UNEngine
   • UNLogItems
   • UNUpdates
10. Open the Update Scheduler

You will need to reconfigure your update preferences

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