When you use the TaxAct Enterprise Edition with a shared network, the master information, preparer information, and return files are kept in the same shared folder. The TaxAct program connects to the shared folder when you set the Preparer Master Information Directory locations to the shared network folder.

If the internet connection to the shared network is interrupted, the TaxAct program will try to access your files on your computer's Local Disk (C:). If you haven't saved or backed up any TaxAct return, master information, or preparer information files to your computer, you won't be able to access your TaxAct files until you are connected to your shared network again.

If you (or someone else who has access to the shared network folder) delete any files from your shared network folder, the TaxAct program will try to access those files on your computer's Local Disk (C:). If you haven't saved or backed up any TaxAct return, master information, or preparer information files to your computer, the files you deleted are gone.

For more information about shared network folders, go to Microsoft Support.

If you can't access your shared network files through the TaxAct program:

1. Close the TaxAct program. In the taskbar at the bottom of your computer screen, click in the field that says Type here to search, then type "file explorer", and click Open.
2. Navigate to your shared network folder and see if you are still connected to it (go to Microsoft Support for troubleshooting assistance).
3. From within your TaxAct Professional Enterprise Edition program, click Preparer, hover your mouse over Master Information, then click Directories.
4. Check the file directories to make sure they point to your shared network folder.  If a file directory does not point to your shared network folder, click Browse, navigate to the folder, then click Select Folder.