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:
- Use a clean, lint-free cloth, moistened with plain water or rubbing alcohol.
- Wipe the shiny surface of the CD, straight from the center to the edge (Never use a circular motion!)
- Check that your CD is dry before reinserting it into the drive.
- Insert a different, non-blank CD into your CD/DVD drive.
- Select the Start menu and select Computer.
- 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.
- Re-insert the TurboTax Desktop CD into your CD/DVD drive.
- Select the Start menu and select Computer.
- 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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