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Backup and Restore tax returns from one computer to another

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📋 Step-by-Step: Backup Your Returns

Step 1: Create a Backup Folder on External Drive

Set up where your backup files will be stored.

1. Connect your USB or external hard drive to your old computer
2. Note the drive letter (look in File Explorer)
   • Example: F: drive "Samsung_T3"
     
3. Create a folder on the external drive for each tax year you're backing up
   • Example: Create a folder named "2016 Backup"
   • Example: Create a folder named "2023 Backup"

Step 2: Log In As Admin

Start the backup process with administrator privileges.

1. Open SureFire on your old computer
2. Log in using the ADMIN username
   

Step 3: Start the Backup

Access the backup feature from the Tools menu.

1. Click Tools menu at the top
2. Click Backup to Disk
3. Click Regular Backup
   

Step 4: Select Users to Backup

Choose which user accounts to include in the backup.

1. Click "OK" on the initial confirmation screen
   
2. Click [Select All] in the bottom left to backup all users
   
   • Or select specific users manually
3. Click OK to continue

Step 5: Select Returns to Backup

Choose which returns to include in the backup.

1. Click [Select All] to backup all returns
   
   • Or select specific returns if preferred
2. Click OK

Step 6: Choose Backup Location

Tell SureFire where to save the backup files.

1. A file browser window opens
      
2. Navigate to your external drive (example: F:)
3. Open the backup folder you created (example: "2016 Backup")
4. Click OK or Save
5. Wait for "Backup Complete" message

📋 Step-by-Step: Restore on New Computer

Step 1: Transfer External Drive to New Computer

Move your backed-up data to the new computer.

1. Safely disconnect the external drive from the old computer
2. Connect it to the new computer
3. Note the drive letter it appears as

Step 2: Open SureFire and Log In

Start the restore process on the new computer.

1. Open SureFire on the new computer
2. Log in using the ADMIN username
   

Step 3: Start the Restore

Access the restore feature from the Tools menu.

1. Click Tools menu
2. Click Restore From Disk
3. Click Regular Backup
   

Step 4: Select Backup Folder

Tell SureFire where to find your backup.

1. A file browser opens
   
2. Navigate to your external drive
3. Open the backup folder you created
   • Example: "2016 Backup" folder
4. Click OK

Step 5: Choose Restore User

Select where the returns will be restored.

1. The system asks which user to restore to
      
2. If the original user exists on the new computer, select "Restore to Original User"
   • Example: If returns were created under "JOHN", and JOHN exists on new computer, use this option
3. If the original user doesn't exist, select a different user from the dropdown
   • Example: You can select ADMIN or GUEST instead
4. Click OK

Step 6: Confirm and Complete Restore

Finalize the restoration of your returns.

1. Follow the on-screen prompts
      
2. Review the restore summary
      
3. Click OK to complete
4. Wait for "Restore Complete" message

Tags: install,setup