Automatic Backup

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.

Setup Data is not backed up automatically. To backup your Setup Data, seeBacking up Setup Data.

What Data is backed up as part of Automatic Backup?

The Automatic Backup feature includes the following in the backup:

What is backed up?	How often? (if Automatic Backup preference remains selected)	Where is it Backed Up?
Returns (includes forms, related e-files, acks, bank apps, bank disbursements, asset data, PDF attachments, and return-specific print settings)	When the return is closed.	In the system ATX 2021 Backup folder
Companies	Two minutes after the last change is made in the Company Manager; or, when the manager is closed.	Companies file created in the ATX 2021 Backup folder.
Payers	Two minutes after the last change is made in the Payer Manager; or, when the manager is closed.	Payers file created in the ATX 2021 Backup folder.
Preparer/EROs	Two minutes after the last change is made in the Preparer/ERO Manager; or, when the manager is closed.	Preparers file created in the ATX 2021 Backup folder.
Billing Information (Hourly and Form Rates)	Two minutes after the last change is made in Billing Manager; or, when the manager is closed.	ATXFormRates and HourlyRates file in the ATX 2021 Backup folder.

Backed up return data can be restored to your system using the Restore Returns function. See Restoring Returns.

Where are backups stored?

By default, your backup data is stored on the C:\ drive of either your stand-alone machine or your network server, depending on your installation type. To see the location, open the Backup and Files Preferences tab.

Important Tips About Backup Locations: We strongly recommend that all Admin users change the default backup location to a permanent location (e.g. another drive) that is not on the stand-alone computer or network. This will protect backup information from being lost if you have a computer or server failure. While you should never use a flash drive as your primary backup device, you can use an external hard drive for your backups if you leave it permanently attached to your stand-alone system or network server.

Using a third party backup product (Carbonite, Mozy, Backblaze, and Amazon Glacier) may require you to change your backup location, to a location the third party product can access.