System Requirements

Systems that do not meet requirements often have issues with general system performance (speed) as well as speed transmitting or downloading data—a problem most tax businesses cannot afford during tax season.

The System Analysis Tool scans your system and rates its compatibility with ATX.

ATX 2016 Stand-Alone and Network Server/Workstation System Requirements

What's the difference in "Base", "Better" and "Best" configurations?

  • Base: ATX will install and run correctly in this minimal configuration, but performance may not be suitable for some users
  • Better: Enhances performance and application response times to meet the needs of most ATX users
  • Best: Recommended for optimum performance, especially for users who prepare complex returns or large numbers of returns

Dedicated Server Requirements ("Server Only" installations):

  • Minimum Operating System - Windows® 7 (SP1) or Microsoft Windows® Server 2008 R2 (SP1)

Microsoft Windows® Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows® Server 2008 are no longer supported for server installation.

  • Minimum Processor Intel® Core™ i5 or equivalent processor; Recommended: Intel® Core™ i7 or better and equivalent processors.

Preparing returns on a dedicated ATX server running a Microsoft Server operating system is not recommended or supported because all required components are not installed and available on a server OS.

  • Windows® Vista is no longer supported; ATX 2016 cannot be installed on a Windows Vista system.
  • Windows 8 vs. 8.1 - Microsoft recommends all Windows 8 users upgrade to Windows 8.1 or 10.

Processor Note: Intel Duo core processors are supported for ATX 2016, but will not be supported in subsequent years. Please consider upgrading for improved performance.

Windows® 10 and Browser Support

Windows® 10 is fully supported for ATX 2016. Before upgrading computers that currently have an earlier Windows version installed, please refer to Knowledge Base Solution ID 15351 for important information.

The new Edge browser included with Windows® 10 currently has limitations with respect to required functionality. Microsoft offers the option to use Internet Explorer 11 rather than the Edge browser and the ATX team recommends that customers choose that option until Edge is more fully developed.

For Online Check Printing, Internet Explorer is required.

DVD Installation

Installation from DVD requires a compatible optical DVD drive. If installing from a DVD, check your system's installation device:

  1. Click Windows® Start menu, right-click Computer, and select Manage.
  2. Click Device Manager.
  3. Under DVD/CD-ROM drives, double-click the device name. (The Device Type must include "DVD.")

Internet Connection Required

High-speed internet connection is required for all install types (e.g. DSL, cable modem, T1/T3)

 

See Also:

Installation and Activation