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Windows 10 Network Install

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🖥️ Setting Up the Main Computer

Step 1: Install Software on Main Computer

Install Sure-Fire Tax Software to the primary computer. This will be the "Server" or "Data Computer" that all other machines connect to.

Step 2: Open File Explorer

Once the software is installed:

1. Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar (or press Windows key + E)
2. Look for the folder icon on the bottom left next to the Windows Start button

Step 3: Navigate to Your Local Drives

In File Explorer:

1. Click This PC on the left sidebar
2. You should now see all your local drives (C:, D:, etc.)

Step 4: Access C: Drive Properties

Now we need to share the C: drive with your network:

1. Right-click on the C: Drive
2. Select Properties from the menu

Step 5: Enable Sharing on the Drive

In the Properties window:

1. Click the Sharing tab at the top
2. Click Advanced Sharing button

Step 6: Configure Folder Sharing

In the Advanced Sharing dialog:

1. Check the box that says Share this folder
2. Click the Permissions button

Step 7: Set Full Control Permissions

In the Permissions window:

1. Find the user Everyone (should be listed by default)
2. Check the Full Control checkbox
3. Click Apply / OK

Step 8: Verify Sharing is Active

After clicking OK on all dialogs:

1. Go back to File Explorer and look at your C: Drive
2. You should now see a small hand icon on the C: Drive, indicating it's being shared across the network

Step 9: Ensure Wired Network Connection

IMPORTANT: Wireless networks do not work for this setup. All computers must use Ethernet cables.

1. Check that your main computer is connected via Ethernet cable (wired)
2. Do not use WiFi for the server or workstations

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💻 Installing on Workstations

Step 1: Open File Explorer on Workstation

On each computer you want to connect to the main server:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click This PC on the left
3. You should see your C: drive and other local drives

Step 2: Access the Computer Menu

In the File Explorer ribbon (top menu):

1. Click the Computer button in the top left area
2. This will show you network options

Step 3: Map a Network Drive

You should now see the option Map a Network Drive:

1. Click Map a Network Drive
2. A dialog window will open

Step 4: Browse to Main Computer

In the Map a Network Drive dialog:

1. Click the Browse button
2. A file browser window will open

Step 5: Find the Main Computer

In the browser window:

1. Double-click Network to see all computers on your network
2. Look for your Main computer in the list

Step 6: Select the C: Drive

Once you find the Main Computer:

1. Click the arrow next to the computer name to expand it
2. You should see the shared drives including C
3. Click on the C folder to select it
4. Click OK

Step 7: Complete Network Drive Mapping

Back in the Map a Network Drive dialog:

1. Click Finish
2. A new window will open showing the shared C: drive from the main computer

Step 8: Find the Software Installation Folder

In the folder window that opened:

1. Look for the UTSXX folder (where XX is the last 2 digits of the tax year)
2. Examples: UTS24 (2024), UTS23 (2023), UTS22 (2022)

Step 9: Open TWTECH Folder

Now navigate to the setup files:

1. Double-click to open the UTSXX folder
2. Find and open the TWTECH folder inside

Step 10: Run Workstation Setup

In the TWTECH folder:

1. Find the file setup.exe
2. Double-click it to start the installation

Step 11: Enter Workstation Number

The setup wizard will ask for a Workstation Number:

1. Each workstation must have a unique number
2. Make sure no two workstations share the same number
3. Examples: First workstation = 102, Second = 103, Third = 104

Step 12: Completion and Desktop Icon

After the installation completes:

1. Look for the new Sure-Fire Tax Software icon on your desktop
2. You can now use this workstation to access the shared data

Step 13: Optional - Save Workstation Defaults

When you first open the software on a workstation, you may see a Setup Options dialog:

1. Fill out the setup information (office details, etc.)
2. Check the box that says "Save for Workstation Defaults"
3. This prevents you from entering the same information on every workstation

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Tags: install,setup