This is a quick note about the printing errors.  Please note that this is not anything official from TaxWorks, this is from my own observations out in the field.


As with any new software, typically the developers test on "clean systems".  That is computers that don't anything really on them other then the operating system, prerequisites, and the actual software.  The Developer tests... and everything works fine.  The problem is in the real world people have lots of junk on their PC's.  Many "bad" programs change critical system files used by Windows, and files required by TaxWorks and other programs.  Overtime the developer sees these errors and releases updates so the software can either; alert you to fix the problem; automatically change the system files; or includes its own versions at install and uses those.  In addition the developer includes nice ways of have handling these problems so the program gives you a friendly warning, and a built-in way to correct the problem.


The firms I support on a daily basis do not have all of these printing problems.  Occasionally an error may be thrown and closes TW12, but for the most part printing is working as expected.  These firms that I support daily ARE NOT allowed to install non-business applications (coupon cabin, discount deals, weather bug, etc...).  Your business is critical to you, the maintenance and management of your business computers should be the same.  I have personally verified that from doing the simplest cleanups on a PC, re-installing the latest version of Adobe Reader users are able print with far less errors.


Also, as I am sure people are thinking (I can't afford to pay my IT Guy $xxx.xx/hr to clean up these systems).  The sad thing is, anyone can be called an "IT Guy", I know and I personally hate it.  A good seasoned IT person should know to keep the computers they support clean, and free from garbage apps.  They should also be able to get you cleaned up within an hour or two (unless the system to too old and slow - then it should simply be replaced).  For my personal clients, I monitor their anti-virus software, make sure the systems are patched and tell them if and why they can't install certain programs.  At the end of the day, they know and trust what I am telling them, and they listen to me.  One of my clients only had to pay $130.00 this year for me to setup and deploy TaxWorks to all of their computers.  


I am not writing this to be a sales pitch.  I have helped many people get their software working for free via the TaxWorks Community Support Group with suggestions and how-to videos.  Yes, the new software has created a huge inconvenience for many of us, but I assure you that the direction RedGear is taking this program is the right one.  This year is not going to be perfect, over time it will get better.  However, the real benefit will be seen in the years to come!


Just to clarify, I am not affiliated with RedGear in any way.  I am also not trying to make excuses for RedGear and all of the issues we have had so far.  My goal is to help [YOU] users of the system get through this time as easily as possible.  I also want to say "Thank You" to Mike Nakowicz for starting the community forum, Brett Kerr for his support since it was started AND to all of the TaxWorks users who have come together to not only get help from the forum, but also who have offered help to others in need.



Damian C. Stalls

Senior Support Engineer

Damian@TRUsupport.com

TRUsupport