Tech: moving software

31 Aug 16 - 01:06 PM (#3807770)
Subject: Tech: moving software
From: SPB-Cooperator

My client is planning to upgrade its desktop computers, however, I need to make sure that the accounting package is still available (for 7 years). However, the supplier the package was purchased from not longer supports the version (2012)and there is no longer a download link. Backing up the data is easy, but I need a way of transferring the package to the new PC (or to my laptop)without a proper re installation. If that is impossible, then the only option I can think of is finding a way to attached the hard disk to the new PC - haven't got a clue how, or persuading the client not to scrap the PC until after the statutory retention period.

We are in the process of migrating to a cloud based system, but I want to do a clean configuration of the chart of accounts to get rid of past 'garbage'.

In the meantime, I going to contact the auditors to see if a dump of all the ledgers and audit trail would be satisfactory retention, but that would take reams of paper - and I would need to wait until the audit for 15/16 is complete in case of post-audit adjustments.

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31 Aug 16 - 01:34 PM (#3807781)
Subject: RE: Tech: moving software
From: EBarnacle

I can think of one simple solution--Install the hard drives in external cases. That way, the software is extant in the hard drive to which it is registered. It also means that, when the time comes to uninstall, it won't have any effect on other data.

Thumb drives also work but are a) of limited size and b) more vulnerable than physical hard drives.

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31 Aug 16 - 02:37 PM (#3807789)
Subject: RE: Tech: moving software
From: Stanron

If your computers are running some version of Windows my understanding is that software has to be installed and registered on a specific machine. It may well be that taking the hard drive to another PC won't work. Perhaps the PCs could be networked to a server that has the software installed. Other than that there should be the original installation disks somewhere and you could try re-installing from there. If you have your data saved on a remote hard drive that would work.

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31 Aug 16 - 07:22 PM (#3807837)
Subject: RE: Tech: moving software
From: SPB-Cooperator

I can't remember if there was an installation disk, if so, it was in the possession of the client who paid for it, and they have no idea where it is. I don't really feel inclined to sacrifice a month of fee income to purchase QB 2014 just for the purpose of holding and accessing historical data, especially as the system will be migrating to cloud this year. At the same time I don't want to migrate an obsolete COA wit loads of unwanted costs centres and nominal accounts to the new live system.

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31 Aug 16 - 07:42 PM (#3807847)
Subject: RE: Tech: moving software
From: Stanron

Does your client have a new accounting package for his new computers? If so, maybe you could retain one or two of the old computers purely for accessing old accounts.

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01 Sep 16 - 05:18 AM (#3807893)
Subject: RE: Tech: moving software
From: Manitas_at_home

Surely the client is responsible for the costs of software?

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