The Backup feature in ATX saves your tax return and associated data in an archive so you may access it if you have a computer failure or other loss of data. The Restore feature enables you to replace the lost data on your system, assuming the data was backed up.
It's important to know the differences between Backup and Export as well as Restore and Import. See Backup vs. Export.
The Automatic Backup feature is enabled by default when you install ATX, so you don’t have to worry about turning it on. This preference is found on the Backup and Files tab of the Preferences dialog box.
We strongly recommend that you allow the program to back up automatically so you can be assured your files are backed up regularly.
With the Automatic Backup enabled, all your returns are automatically backed up whenever they are closed. With each return, ATX also backs up e-files, bank product information, Fixed Asset (FAM) data, and any PDF attachments. In addition, ATX backs up data in the Company Manager, Payer Manager, Preparer/ERO Manager, and Billing Manager two minutes after the last change is made or when the manager is closed.
The Manual Backup feature is available if you prefer to handle backups yourself.
The Automatic Backup must be disabled before backing up manually. See Backup and Files Preferences.
The default backup and files storage locations can be set on the Backup and Files tab of the Preferences dialog box.
The purpose of backing up data is so you will have current data available if you have a system failure or other data loss. Restoring as much or as little backup data as needed is easy.
You have the option to restore as many or as few returns as desired. You can also restore Billing, Company, Payer, and Preparer data on demand using the same process. See Restoring Returns.