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How to start my TurboTax on my PC, disk is in the external device?

USB external device to PC how to o[pen disk with TurboTax?
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1 Reply
LindaS5247
Employee Tax Expert

How to start my TurboTax on my PC, disk is in the external device?

The CD version of TurboTax requires the physical installation of the software using a CD-ROM drive. 

 

Here are some things you can try to get your CD working:

 

Insert your TurboTax Desktop CD. It can take up to 4 minutes for the first screen to appear. Please wait for those 4 minutes before checking your CD and CD/DVD drive.

 

If the software does not load after 4 minutes, follow these steps to make sure your TurboTax CD and CD/DVD drive are working properly:

 

Clean your TurboTax CD

  1. Use a clean, lint-free cloth, moistened with plain water or rubbing alcohol.
  2. Wipe the shiny surface of the CD, straight from the center to the edge (Never use a circular motion!)
  3. Check that your CD is dry before reinserting it into the drive.

Test your CD/DVD drive

  1. Insert a different, non-blank CD into your CD/DVD drive.
  2. Select the Start menu and select Computer.
  3. Select the CD/DVD drive (usually D).
    • If an error occurs, the drive may be dirty or malfunctioning. You may need to clean the drive with a commercial CD/DVD drive cleaning kit. (You can also try compressed air, but make sure you hold the can upright to prevent liquid from entering the CD drive).
      • After cleaning, repeat steps 2 and 3.
        • If the error occurs again, your CD/DVD drive may be faulty. Consult your computer manual or vendor for steps to repair or replace the drive.
        • If no error occurs, try copying files from the CD to your hard drive. If you can't browse or copy files from the CD, your CD/DVD drive may be faulty. Consult your computer manual or vendor for steps to repair or replace the drive.

Verify that Windows can read your TurboTax Desktop CD

  1. Re-insert the TurboTax Desktop CD into your CD/DVD drive.
  2. Select the Start menu and select Computer.
  3. Select your CD/DVD drive (usually D).

If an error occurs, Windows can't read the TurboTax CD. Your TurboTax CD may be defective or damaged. You can request a replacement here.


If nothing happens when you insert the TurboTax Desktop CD on Windows 10:

 

  • This probably occurs because Windows 10 disables autoplay by default.
  • To start installation, insert your CD and then:
  • Hold down the Windows + R keys to open the Run window.
  • Select Browse and navigate to the TurboTax CD on your CD/DVD/RW drive (usually your D drive).
  • Open the setup.exe file.
  • Select OK to open the installer.
  • You can also enable autoplay on Windows 10 by following these instructions from Microsoft.

Click here for troublershooting the installation and running of TurboTax.

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