If you are new to networking in Keystone Tax Solutions Pro, be sure to read the knowledgebase article entitled “Network Overview”. It explains the terms File Server, Workstation Computer, and Transmitting Computer.
The System / Network Configuration Menu hides or displays settings according to your answer to the first menu question, “Are You Using a Network?”. If you prepare taxes on only one computer within your office, the answer to this question is No, and you are finished with this menu.
However, if you plan to have more than one computer within your office preparing tax returns, and these computers are all attached to the same network router, you will answer this question Yes. For Keystone Tax Solutions Pro purposes one of the computers is designated as the File Server and any other computer is called a Workstation. The File Server is also typically given the role of the Transmitting Computer.
In an office preparing tax returns on more than one computer, the first three menu lines in the System / Network configuration Menu are typically answered like this:
Menu Line | On theFile Server | On aWorkstation |
| 1. Are You Using A Network?………..: | Yes | Yes |
| 2. File Server?…………………..: | Yes | No |
| 3. Transmitting from this Computer?…: | Yes | No |
4. File Server Address
On the File server, the information on this line will be identical to the information on Lines 6 and 7, the Local Computer Name and the Local IP Address. On a Workstation, this line will show the File Server information. If you don’t see the correct File Server information on Line 4 on a Workstation, do the following steps:
- Click “4. File Server Address“.
- Type the File Server computer name in the “File Server Name” field.
- Click “Connect to File Server”.
You should see a green-colored rectangle with the message, “File Server [IP address] contacted!” If you don’t see this message, verify you spelled the File Server computer name correctly, and verify that this Workstation and the File Server are connected to the same router. If you are not able to get a successful connection, contact Technical Support for assistance.
6. Local Computer Name
7. Local IP Address
These lines are for informational purposes and may be useful in diagnosing problems with the network. On a Workstation, the information on Line 4 will never by identical to either Line 6 or 7. On the File Server, the information on Line 4 will always be identical to Lines 6 and 7.
Additional information