Backing Up Programs on Old Computer

Question

Recently I purchased two PNY Attache 2.0 gigabyte flash drives and copied my important files (tax returns, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents) and address book onto them.   But how can I back up old programs?  My understanding is that programs can not simply be copied as data files can be.   Specifically, I am thinking about old TurboTax programs.  I have the original TurboTax CDs, but those CDs do not have the updates that TurboTax provides during each tax season as tax law and forms are finalized.  TurboTax no longer provides these updates on their website for older tax years.   Incidentally, my computer does not have a DVD drive of any kind and the CD drive is just a CD-ROM drive, not a burner.   Thanks

fireberd · Answer

'Programs' must be installed using the Program's installation application.  There are some limited programs that can be copied from a Windows XP machine to a Vista machine using a special Microsoft program and special interface cable but that's all, nothing for a Win98 system.   The old year Turbotax files will not be modified, you just want the ability to display them so you most likely will be able to reinstall the old Turbotax programs and do that.

barkupatree2002 · Answer

fireberd,   You are probably correct that the old tax returns will not need to be amended.   Nevertheless, TurboTax should make available updates for the programs for old tax years just in case the unlikely need to amend an old return arises.    Thanks for clarifying that programs need to be installed and generally can not be backed up.

fireberd · Answer

I don't see any Turbotax updates for prior years.  I have been using Turbo Tax for many years and never got a program update for a prior year or any updates for the current year after I completed my tax return with Turbo Tax (and filed it).

barkupatree2002 · Answer

firebird,   I am thinking about the consequences of my hard drive failing.   I can certainly reinstall the TurboTax programs from my TurboTax CDs.  However, those CDs don't contain the updates that became available after I purchased the CDs.  My understanding is that TurboTax no longer provides those old updates for old TurboTax years.   True, it is unlikely that I will need to use an old TurboTax program, but if my hard drive ever crashes or I need to reformat it and reinstall Windows, it would nice if I could could get those old TurboTax updates.

fireberd · Answer

Sorry, but I still do not see a need for the old Turbotax programs.  Once you file the return, either you print hard copies and submit that or you file electronically and then you still get to print out what you filed.  If there were ever an audit, the Turbotax program won't do you any good.

barkupatree2002 · Answer

fireberd   I always keep a hard copy of my returns so you are probably correct that the old TurboTax programs will not be needed.   Thanks for all your thoughts on this subject.

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