Removing Older ATX Files

[Christian]

I am going to delete ATX 2018 files from my computer which is running Windows 11. The last time I deleted an ATX file a problem arose as the removal tool did not remove client files. Trying to avoid this can someone advise how this deletion of the client files is done ? Hopefully this is not a complicated matter.

[Abby Normal]

I highly recommend keeping a backup of the data files, just in case.

The default location of the complete ATX database is:
C:\ProgramData\Wolters Kluwer

Unless you changed the default locations.

The folder is called ATX 2018 Server.

If you have client folders with PDFs of tax returns and records, those will be wherever you chose to put them.

[Christian]

Thanks. I backup each client file when completed to to a thumb drive which is attached by a usb connection on the front of my pc so no problem there.  

[TAXMAN]

Someone said that ATX creates duplicate files for clients as a backup. Where can I find these files for deletion?

[BrewOne]

I haven't tried, but I have heard you could pay ATX to restore files--so I'm assuming that is what they're talking about.

[Medlin Software, Dennis]

Why ooh why would you delete data? I get it, some of us, especially longer in the tooth, try to save drive space. The days of tiny drives and drive space issues are decades ago gone.

Deleting for security reasons? Sure, but if security is a concern, then an overall solution is likely better.

Deleting to rid a computer? Indeed, there are tools for wiping drives, but I prefer to physically destroy them.

With the above said, even today, a customer asked me how to delete data. I do not offer such a function, as within a few minutes of offering one, someone would be asking how to undo, or if I had a copy of their now deleted data I can give to them.

If replacing computer/drives on a regular basis, restoring from backups, your machine would likely not have any old data on it (passed the retention timeline).

For my software, I strongly remind to make monthly backups, offer free secure online backup storage, and have TWO separate on local drive locations for alternate data. One alternate location is easily found by the user and is saved every program close. This is a good one to use if there is a power outage. I also create what I call a "rescue" backup, stored in a location which likely will help when a computer "expert" helps out a customer and deletes their live data. It is also in a location which Windows backup includes, by default, as another means to help those who do not backup well, or at all.

While I am all for the what you are not required to have cannot be used against you, as a software dev, zero harm to me comes from not offering any sort of mass delete function, and much harm can come to me - even if only being blamed for not preventing silly human error - if I were to offer such an option.

Another example. A customer is currently trying to blame me for their issue of incorrectly moving/copying files. They are trying to blame me for commands they use outside of my software. The issue is their method has caused the deletion or remove of one of their data files, and they are insisting the software caused it, even though I have actual hard proof they caused the issue. This is a total waste of time, and I only can lose a customer and reputation, even though I did nothing wrong. And this is for something I do not even offer... so there is no way in you know what I will ever build in a function to delete unused data.

[Abby Normal]

On 11/25/2024 at 11:09 AM, Christian said:

Thanks. I backup each client file when completed to to a thumb drive which is attached by a usb connection on the front of my pc so no problem there.  

That is not a sufficient backup of your entire database. I highly recommend backing the entire 2018 Server folder, just in case you ever need to restore it. Backups of returns are useless unless you can download all of the forms from ATX. They don't keep those forms servers available forever. Also you'll want all your other set up info as well, like preparers, firm info, etc. etc.

[Abby Normal]

1 hour ago, TAXMAN said:

Someone said that ATX creates duplicate files for clients as a backup. Where can I find these files for deletion?

You can't because they are stored on ATX's servers and I highly doubt they would delete them if you asked.

[mcb39]

In addition to the thumb drives the same as TAXMAN, I do complete system backups onto alternating external hard drives and keep them in the safe.  Hopefully this will save me in case I ever need saving.  Since IT is here often and checking everything over and updating, I feel fairly safe.  Without him, I would be fried.  Also, he eats whatever I happen to have available at any given time.