User's Manual - Drake Software

Software Setup
Drake Software User’s Manual
1. From the Home window in Drake, go to Setup > Data Locations to open the
Data Locations dialog box. (See Figure 2-3 on page 16.)
2. In the Network Setup section, select the drive of the workstation designated as
the “server” from the Tax returns are stored here drop list.
3. Click OK.
By default, all workstation using Drake on a “peer-to-peer” network use the configuration
files as set up on the individual workstations. To share the same configuration
files as the “server” or some other workstation:
1. From the Home window in Drake, go to Setup > Data Locations.
2. In the Network Setup section of the Data Locations dialog box (Figure 2-3 on
page 16), choose the drive letter where you’ve stored the configuration settings
from the Share settings... drop list.
3. Click OK.
By default, all prior-year files are stored on the individual workstations. If your workstations
should share the prior-year files:
1. From the Home window in Drake, go to Setup > Data Locations.
2. In the Location of client folders section of the Data Locations dialog box, enter
the drive letter of the “server” workstation in the Location for 2011 client files
drop list.
3. Click OK.
IMPORTANT
All computers on the network must have access to the “server’s”
drive – the drive on which the tax returns are stored and from
which the returns will be e-filed. Map to the “server’s” drive—not
to the Drake12 folder.
All drives properly mapped and with Drake Software installed will
appear in the Tax returns are stored here drop list and the
Share settings... drop list. If the drive of the “server” does not
appear in these lists, consult an IT professional. Drake cannot
provide technical support for the network itself.
CAUTION
Do not change the Data Locations settings during tax season! If a
change is necessary, contact Drake Support.
Software Setup
Perform setup procedures before attempting to prepare or e-file returns. Some setup
procedures are required; others are optional.
Table 2-3: Setup Procedures: Required and Optional
Required Setup Procedure
Optional Setup Procedures
Firm(s) (See “Firm Setup” on page 20.) Options (See “Options Setup” on page 27.)
18 Tax Year 2012