Why can't I install TurboTax on my laptop via download after once installing on PC via CD

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
February 8, 2022
5 replies
65 views

I installed TurboTax Premier on my home PC from the CD, but then I can't download/install it on my laptop (that has no CD drive). TurboTax support says that once you install from a CD all installs have to be done using the CD. This seems absurd. Most computers these days don't have CD's! There's no documentation or warning anywhere that indicates this restriction. You've got to be kidding me.

I was told I could go and buy a portable CD drive to attach to my laptop or buy a new license. Fortunately, it hasn't been 60 days since I bought the software, so I went to refundrequest.intuit.com to request a refund. What a hassle! Don't install from CD if you ever want to install anywhere else. Not the least bit customer friendly. The restriction makes absolutely no sense. I've been a loyal TurboTax customer for decades, but they seem to do things like this without much real thought to the unintended consequences. I'm really frustrated!

VolvoGirl

Level 15

you installed from the CD it seems you can not download it from online now. You can't do both CD and download. See the new info on this FAQ

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/i-bought-the-cd-but-my-computer-doesn-t-have-a-cd-drive/00/26450

It says...

You can download your software directly from TurboTax. But, keep in mind, you can't use both the CD and the download — you must use one or the other.

And....if the CD has already been registered and installed on another device, you will not be able to switch to the download product or you may receive an error message that says, "This product is already associated with another account."

So you need to call in to get the download pushed to your account. How to contact Turbo Tax
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991

What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

ligh10upAuthor

Level 2

Thanks for the response, but calling TurboTax only adds to the frustration. The only REAL solution is to go to refundrequest.intuit.com and ask for a refund and then purchase a new license and never install it from the CD.

The suggestion to "call in to get the download pushed to your account" isn't an option. They can't push anything once the software has been installed from CD.

SteamTrain

Level 15

@ligh10up

Something that works for some folks...

Using the Computer with the CD drive, Copy the CD's installation files to a USB flash drive.

Take the FlashDrive to the laptop, and copy the files to a temporary directory in the new laptop.

1) Remove the usb-Flash drive (this is important !!! Really !)

2) then start the installation .exe file

______________________

Which files? Not sure anymore. On CDs from years ago, all the needed files were in a Windows directory for windows installs...or MAC directory for a MAC, but I don't know how the CDs are arranged anymore. At one time, I think only one particular .exe file was needed . Maybe someone else who knows more exactly will see this and respond.

____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*