topic Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

PatF — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:09:07 GMT

I have a new desktop Windows computer and am installing a 2021 version (for the 2021 tax year) of TT. I want to move my current datafile for 2021 tax year to perform some 2022 what-if calculations before the end of the year. From the new computer, it always wants to open a new tax return, it can't find any existing returns that I've placed in the appropriate folder. Basically, it's telling me to "start a new return" or it wants to import from a .2020 tax file. I don't want to do either of those, I want it to recognize the 2021 files in the folder to continue where I left off. Not sure what I need to do to make this happen.

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

DoninGA — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 21:48:55 GMT

Click on File on the upper left of the desktop program screen. Click on Open Tax Return. Browse to the location where the 2021 tax data file is located.

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

PatF — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 21:59:10 GMT

OK, I think I just figured out how to make this work, but it seems a bit kludgy. Let me know if you think this will have copied all data. I had to create a new dummy tax file. At that point it said that my federal forms were loaded. But then it told me to download the state forms. When I did that, it allowed the dummy file to come up ok. Once that was done, it let me select a new tax filename (it didn't find it automatically, so I selected the file from the other computer and then everything came up ok. Does that make sense? I haven't tested the results but the final numbers on the file on the new PC match the old PC, so I assume it's good.

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

VolvoGirl — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 22:41:27 GMT

Yes sounds like you figured it out.

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to File-New Tax Return).

Then go to FILE -Open and find your return.

See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-computer/00/26128

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

fanfare — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 01:05:13 GMT

use CTL-C CTL-V to make a copy of your filed tax return (TurboTax not running).

rename the copied file to "TRIAL 2022 tax return".

Open it in TurboTax.

You don't have to use a separate computer.

@PatF

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

Critter-3 — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 01:12:35 GMT

This is my mini version of a tutorial that should be in the downloaded program:

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

>>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy:
1. Open your return in TurboTax.
2. From the File menu, choose Save As.
3. Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name).
4. Click Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

>> use the WHAT IF tool:
- Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view)
- Click on the Open Form Icon
- In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form
- You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form
- To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

Once you have filed successfully … you can shut off the auto updater function and then save the return & .taxfile.

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
Browse to where you want to save your backup.
- Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
Click Save and then close TurboTax.
Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

AND protect the files :

How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

*** Other clues to the downloaded program ***

In the forms mode ... double click or right click on a box on a form to data source it ... sadly it doesn't work on all boxes.

What's the meaning of all the different colors in Forms Mode?

When you look at an onscreen tax form using Forms Mode, you might wonder why one figure is blue and the one next to it is red or black.

These colors indicate the source of that data.

Color	Meaning
Blue	You entered this data, either in the interview or Forms Mode.
Black	The program entered this data or calculated this amount.
Red	This data has either been overridden or is invalid (for example, a ZIP code that doesn't exist).
Red italics	You marked this amount as estimated.
Black italics	The program calculated this amount from an amount you marked as estimated.
Purple	This information has supporting details.
Aquamarine	This data was transferred over from last year.
Green	This data was imported from Quicken or QuickBooks.
Yellow fields (Windows)	Yellow fields allow user input. Anything you enter here shows up in blue.

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

Critter-3 — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 01:14:11 GMT

To move a file from the online program to continue in the desktop version see this…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901476-how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software

Re: Moving TT to a Desktop - Problem getting the tax file recognized

Mike9241 — Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:16:07 GMT

there is another way to open the file. do not open the program. go to the folder where the file is stored and double-click on it. you should see the program icon and then a smaller box saying opening your return.