product:1-800-718-1592
To purchase a Peachtree Support plan: 1-800-247-3224
Internet web site
http://www.peachtree.com
Copyright
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Company names,
and data used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this
document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the
express written permission of Peachtree Software, Inc.
Peachtree Complete Accounting Getting Started Guide
Release 7
First Edition, May 1999
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• Table of Contents •
Chapter 1Introducing and Installing Peachtree Accounting
I’m starting Peachtree on a workstation across the network,
and I’m receiving the message “Cannot open
F:\PEACHW\STATUS.DAT or OPTIONS.DAT.”
What do I need to do to correct it?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
I’m installing on a Novell Network version 3.12 or higher
workstation, and am getting a “could not remove file” messa ge.
Why is Peachtree Accounting not installing on my network? . . . . . . . . .27
I’m running Peachtree Accounting on a network, and I frequently
receive the message “The record in file ‘Customer.DAT’ is
currently in use. Please try again when it is available.”
What can I do about this? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Welcome to Peachtree Complete Accounting—the award-winning
accounting solution for small business success. Peachtree Complete
Accounting contains all the powerful accounting features of Peachtree
Accounting plus more complex accounting tools such as Job Costing, Fixed
Assets and Time & Billing. Peachtree Complete is the advanced accounting
solution for companies that want to better manage their time, books, and
business.
About This Guide
This guideand the User’s Guide refer to Peachtree Complete Accounting as
Peachtree Accounting.
Before you begin using Peachtree Accounting, be sure to read this guide for
installation instructions, conversion instructions (if you have existing data),
and other important issues. This guide includes the following information:
•System requirements for installation
•Instructions for installing Peachtree Accounting
•Installation troubleshooting tips
•Information about converting existing data
•Instructions for setting up a new company
•Hands-on tutorials that demonstrate common features of Peachtree
Accounting using sample data
•Instructions for converting existing Quicken and QuickBooks data
2
System Requirements
To install Peachtree Accounting, you need the following hardware and
software:
•100% IBM PC compatible computer with a 486 processor (or
higher)
•12 MB (megabytes) of RAM (random access memory); 16 MB or
higher is recommended
•Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4
•Hard disk with the following free space requirements:
Introducing Peachtree Complete Accoun ting Re leas e 7
Note: The recommended Peachtree Accounting memory
requirements are in addition to the me mory required by y our syst em
software and memory used when entering company data.
*Peachtree Fixed Assets is automatically included if you choose the
Standard setup option while installing Peachtree Complete
Accounting from the Peachtree Complete Accounting compact disc.
•MPC compatible CD-ROM drive (if you intend to use the compact
disc version of Peachtree Accounting and multimedia features)
•VGA or SVGA monitor that can display a minimum of 256 colors;
SVGA monitor is recommended if using the compact disc version
Do not use large fonts—Peachtree will not display properly.
•8-bit or 16-bit SoundBlaster compatible sound card (if using
multimedia sound enhancements included on the compact disc)
•Printers supported by Micros oft Windows 95 or Windows NT 4
•Mouse or compatible pointing device
3
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
Contents of the Peachtree Accounting Package
The Peachtree Accounting software package includes the following items:
For a complete description of the Peachtree compact disc contents,
see the following section.
Note: Diskettes are included in some upgrade versions of Peachtree
Accounting, if request ed. If you purchased a new product, only the
compact disc version is included. A Floppy Disk Order Form is
included if you require this type of media.
•Peachtree Complete Accounting Getting Started Guide
•Peachtree Complete Accounting User’s Guide
•Peachtree Fixed Assets User’s Guide
•PeachLink 2.0 Compact Disc and PeachLink User’s Guide
For a complete description of the PeachLink compact disc contents,
refer to the PeachLink User’s Guide.
•Peachtree Products and Services Brochure (including information
about Technical Support options, Peachtree Tax Service, Peachtree
Training services, and additional products)
•Peachtree Business Checks & Forms Catalog
Contents of the Peachtree Accounting Compact Disc
The Peachtree Accounting compact disc includes the following items:
•Peachtree Complete Accounting Release 7
This package includes the Peachtree Complete Accounting setup
program, the Peachtree Complete Accounting program, Peachtree
Fixed Assets program, Peachtree Accounting Help, standard
Peachtree Accounting forms, online tutorial, and sample company
data.
•Online versions of the Peachtree Accounting manuals
•Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.02
This program allows you to open electronic documents in Portable
Document Format (PDF). You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed before viewing the online versions of the Peachtree
Accounting manuals.
4
Contents of the Peachtree Accounting Compact Disc
Installing Peachtree Accounting
The following instructions explain how to perform a standard (or upgrade)
installation of Peachtree Accounting. If you are using a network, refer to
Installing Peachtree Accounting on a Network” on page 8.
“
1Turn on your computer and start Windows.
Peachtree Accounting setup requires Windows 95, Windows 98, or
Windows NT 4.
2Exi t all pr ogram s a nd di sable virus -pr otec tion a nd scr ee n sav er pr ogra ms on
your computer.
This frees up memory and avoids interfer ence with the Peachtree
Accounting setup process.
3Insert the Peachtree Accounting compact disc in your CD-ROM drive; or,
insert Peachtree Diskette #1 in the diskette drive.
If you are installing from compact disc, the Welcome menu appears.
Click Install Peachtree Accounting, and continue with the next step.
If you are installing from diskettes or the Welcome menu does not
automatically appear onscreen, do the following: Select Start, then Run.
Type A:SETUP and select OK. (Substitute the appropriate drive letter
for your diskette or CD-ROM drive.)
4Follow the onscreen instructions until the Peachtree Accounting Setup
window appears. Review the installation instructions and select Nex t.
Installing Peachtree Accounting
5Read the Licensing Agreement, and select Yes if you accept the terms.
The Select Setup T ype window offers up to four setup choices dependin g
on if you are a new or previous user.
6Click an installation option button, and follow the instructions displayed,
clicking Next to conti nue.
•Standard: Installs everything you need to begin running Peachtree
Accounting. You cannot change the location where the program will
be installed if you select this option.
•Upgrade: This option upgrades you from a previous version of
Peachtree Accounting, maintaining your existing setup settings.
•Custom: You can set a different path for the program or data files
using this option, or choose which components of Peachtree
Accounting you want to install.
•Network: This option allows you to install program and data files in
a network environment.
5
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
7In the Select Peachtree Accounting Program Folder window, change the
name of the Peachtree Complete Accounting program folder, if necessary.
Click Next to begin installing.
If you are installing from diskette, follow the prompts and insert
additional diskettes as needed.
8A final window displays , indicating the successful completion of
installation.
•Read: Select this to view the Peachtree Accounting Release Notes file.
•Begin: Select this option to launch Peachtree Accounting.
•Return: Select this option to return to Windows.
After installing Peachtree Accounting, you can optionally install the online
manuals. For more information, see “
page 7.
When finished with the setup process, you can set up a new Peachtree
Accounting company, explore sample company data, or convert existing
company data from a previous version of Peachtree Accounting. For more
information on what to do after installing Peachtree Accounting, see “
Next?” on page 17.
Installing Online Documentation” on
What’s
6
Contents of the Peachtree Accounting Compact Disc
Installing Onlin e Doc umentation
Electronic versions of the Peachtree Accounting manuals are included on the
Peachtree Accounting compact disc. To display or use these documents, you
must have Adobe Acrobat 3 (or higher) installed on your computer.
Use the following procedure to install Adobe Acrobat Reader and Peachtree
Accounting online manuals.
1If proceeding after installing Peachtree Accounting from the compact disc,
select Install Online Documentation from the Welcome menu.
— OR —
1If you completed the Peachtree installation earlier and now want to load
the online manuals, do the following:
•Exit all programs and disable virus-protection and screen saver
programs on your computer.
•Insert the Peachtree Accounting compact disc in your CD-ROM
drive.
•A Welcome menu displays. Select Install Online Documentation,
and continue with the next step.
If the Peachtree Welcome menu does not display, select R un from the
Start menu. Type D:\DOC\SETUP and select OK. Substitute the
appropriate drive letter for your CD-ROM drive.
2Follow the prompts to install the online manuals and Adobe Acrobat
Reader (if necessary).
Installing Online Documentation
Displaying the Peachtree Accounting Online Manuals
1From the Start menu, select Programs, and then point to the Peachtree
Accounting folder (or the name of th e prog ram folder you cho se during the
Online Documentation setup).
2Select the manual you want to read.
•Getting Started Guide: the online version of the Peachtree Complete
Accounting User’s Guide (PCWGS.PDF)
•Use r’s Guide: the online version of the Peachtree Complete
Accounting User’s Guide (PCWUG.PDF)
•Fixed Assets User’s Guide: the online version of the Peachtree Fixed
Assets User’s Guide (PCWFAUG.P DF )
For complete information on using Adobe Acrobat Reader, refer to the
Online Guides installed with the Acrobat Reader program.
7
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
Installing Peachtree Accounting on a Network
A network connects all types of computers and computer-related devices,
such as hard drives, printers and CD-ROM drives. Computers that share
devices with other computers are called servers.
Peachtree Accounting comes network-ready and multiuser; it is ready to
install on a network for use at your company. Peachtree Accounting will run
on two basic types of networks: peer-to-peer, such as Windows 95
Networking, and client/server, such as Novell 4.x or above. Before you install
on your network, you must know whether you have a peer-to-peer network
or a client/server network.
Peer to Peer
This is a network that allows each connected computer to act as a server and/
or a workstation. Each computer can share its hard drive, printers, or other
devices with all other computers in the network. This makes each computer
on the network equal to the other computers, or a “peer.” However, when you
are sharing data (such as accounting information), you want to designate one
computer as the primary server for the data. In other words, you don’t want
the data on everyone’s computer, only the primary server (such as the
administrator’s co mputer).
Examples of peer-to-peer networks are Artisoft’s LANtastic or Windows 95
Networking.
Client/Server
This is a network with a traditional server acting as a central unit (the primary
server) with several workstations connecting to it. The server is where you
store the data that will be shared by the workstations.
Network Considerations
Peachtree Accounting can be operated on any network software that s upports
Microsoft Windows and NetBios. However, there are certain considerations:
•Your data must reside on a network drive (eit her on the server or t he
administrator’s machine for a peer-to-peer network).
•If you install the program files on each workstation, it enhances
performance. Make sure you have full access (administrative rights)
to the drive you are installing Peachtree Accounting.
•When you receive an upgrade to Peachtree Accounting, you must
install the update the same way as you in st alled the original program.
•Real-time posting is recommended for better performance and fewer
conflicts.
8
Installing Pea chtree Accounting on a Network
Installing on a Client/Server Network
Use the following instructions to install Peachtree Accounting on a client/
server network, such as Novell 4.x or above. Use the same instructions to
install Peachtree Accounting on each workstation, specifying the server as the
location for data files and the local hard drive as the location for program files.
Installing the Peachtree Accounting program files to each workstation’s local
hard drive (for example, C:\PEACHW) improves performance and speed.
Before beginning this procedure, it is assumed that you have a shared network
drive established and that workstations are mapped to this network drive.
Note
1Exi t all pr ogram s a nd di sable virus -pr otec tion a nd scr ee n sav er pr ogra ms on
your computer.
2Insert the Peachtree Accounting compact disc in your CD-ROM drive; or,
insert Peachtree Diskette #1 in the diskette drive.
If you are installing from CD-R OM and the Welcome menu displays,
click Install Peachtree Accounting and continue with the next step.
If you are installing from diskettes or the Welcome menu does not
display onscreen, do the following: Select Start, then Run. Type
A:SETUP and select OK. (Substitute the appropriate drive letter for y our
diskette or CD-ROM drive.)
3Follow the onscreen instructions until the Peachtree Accounting Setup
window displays. Review the installation instructions and select Next.
Installing on a Client/Server Network
4Read the Licensing Agreement and select Yes if you accept the terms.
The Select Setup T ype window offers up to four setup choices dependin g
on if you are a new or previous user.
5Select the Network setup type.
9
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
6The Select Location window displays. Enter a program and data path, then
click Next.
The default location or path for the program files is the directory
PEACHW on drive C. We recommend leaving this path as the default to
increase speed and performance. If the workstation you are installing
does not have a hard drive, you will need to change this location to the
network drive. Select Browse next to the Program Path field to change
the path for the files. If you know the name of the path, you ma y type the
path into the field.
Make sure the Data Path is set to the proper network dri v e (f or e xample,
F:\PEACHW). Do not set the data path to a network root directory (for
example, F:\). Change the location of the data files by selecting Browse
next to the Data Path field.
7A window displays for you to select which Peachtree Accounting
components you want to install. Choose the components to install and click
Next to continue.
8In the Select Peachtree Accounting Program Folder window, change the
name of the Peachtree Accounting program folder, if necessary. Click Next
to begin installing.
If you are installing from diskette, follow the prompts and insert
additional diskettes as needed.
10
9A window displays, indicating the successful completion of installation. If
any of your system files were modif ied during installation, you will see
different options.
•Read: Select this to view the Peachtree Accounting Release Notes file.
•Begin: Select this option to launch Peachtree Accounting.
•Return: Select this option to return to Windows.
When installation is complete, see “
page 14.
About Record and File Locking” on
Installing Pea chtree Accounting on a Network
Installing on a Peer-to-Peer Network
You must first install the software on the computer where data files will be
located. This is probably the network administrator’s computer (the primary
server). Then install Peachtree Accounting on each workstation, specifying the
network administrator’s computer as the location for data files, and a local
drive (usually C:) for the program files.
Before beginning this procedure, it is assumed that you have at least one
shared drive established (possibly on an administrators computer) and that
Note
workstations are mapped to this drive.
Installing on the Network Administrator’s Machine
Follow these steps to install Peachtree Accounting on the network
administrator’s computer, or the primary server, before installing on any
workstations. The network administrator’s computer is where the data files
will be located.
1Exi t all pr ogram s a nd di sable virus -pr otec tion a nd scr ee n sav er pr ogra ms on
your computer.
Installing on a Peer-to-Peer Network
2Insert the Peachtree Accounting compact disc in your CD-ROM drive; or,
insert Peachtree Diskette #1 in the diskette drive.
If you are installing from CD-ROM and the Welcome menu displays,
click Install Peachtree Accounting and continue with the next step.
If you are installing from diskettes or the Welcome menu does not
display onscreen, do the following: Select Start, then Run. Type
A:SETUP and select OK. (Substitute the appropriate drive letter for y our
diskette or CD-ROM drive.)
3Follow the onscreen instructions until the Peachtree Accounting Setup
window displays. Review the installation instructions and select Next.
4Read the Licensing Agreement and select Yes if you accept the terms.
The Select Setup T ype window offers up to four setup choices dependin g
on if you are a new or previous user.
5Select the Network setup type.
11
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
6The Select Location window displays. Enter a program and data path, then
click Next.
Install the program and data files to the same path—the network
administrator’s (or primary server’s) hard drive. The default location or
path for the program and data files is the directory PEACHW on drive
C.
7A window displays for you to select which Peachtree Accounting
components you want to install. Choose the components to install and click
Next to continue.
8In the Select Peachtree Accounting Program Folder window, change the
name of the Peachtree Accounting program folder, if necessary. Click Next
to begin installing.
If you are installing from diskette, follow the prompts and insert
additional diskettes as needed.
9A window displays, indicating the successful completion of installation. If
any of your system files were modif ied during installation, you will see
different options.
•Read: Select this to view the Peachtree Accounting Release Notes file.
•Begin: Select this option to launch Peachtree Accounting.
12
•Return: Select this option to return to Windows.
10 Next, continue with the following section, “Installing on a Workstation.”
Installing on a Workstation
First, install Peachtree Accounting on the network administrator ’s computer.
Then, follow these steps to install Peachtree Accounting on each workstation.
Make sure you know the drive and directory of the data files located on the
network administrator’s computer before you begin installation.
1Exi t all pr ogram s a nd di sable virus -pr otec tion a nd scr ee n sav er pr ogra ms on
your computer.
2Insert the Peachtree Accounting compact disc in your CD-ROM drive; or,
insert Peachtree Diskette #1 in the diskette drive.
If you are installing from CD-R OM and the Welcome menu displays,
click Install Peachtree Accounting and continue with the next step.
If you are installing from diskettes or the Welcome menu does not
display onscreen, do the following: Select Start, then Run. Type
A:SETUP and select OK. (Substitute the appropriate drive letter for y our
diskette or CD-ROM drive.)
Installing Pea chtree Accounting on a Network
Installing on a Peer-to-Peer Network
3Follow the onscreen instructions until the Peachtree Accounting Setup
window displays. Review the installation instructions and select Next.
4Read the Licensing Agreement and select Yes if you accept the terms.
The Select Setup T ype window offers up to four setup choices dependin g
on if you are a new or previous user.
5Select the Network setup type.
6The Select Location window displays. Enter a program and data path, then
click Next.
The default location or path for the program files is the directory
PEACHW on drive C. We recommend installing the program files to the
local hard drive to increase speed performance. If the workstation does
not have a hard drive, change the location of the program files to the
network. To change the location of the program path, select Browse next
to the Program Path field.
Make sure the Data Path is set to the proper network dri v e (for e x ample,
F:\PEACHW). Do not set the data path to a network root directory (for
example, F:\). Change the location of the data files by selecting Browse
next to the Data Path field.
7A window displays for you to select which Peachtree Accounting
components you want to install. Choose the components to install and click
Next to continue.
8In the Select Peachtree Accounting Program Folder window, change the
name of the Peachtree Accounting program folder, if necessary. Click Next
to begin installing.
If you are installing from diskette, follow the prompts and insert
additional diskettes as needed.
9A window displays, indicating the successful completion of installation. If
any of your system files were modif ied during installation, you will see
different options.
•Read: Select this to view the Peachtree Accounting Release Notes file.
•Begin: Select this option to launch Peachtree Accounting.
•Return: Select this option to return to Windows.
10 Repeat these instructions for each workstation.
13
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
About Record and File Locking
If you install Peachtree Accounting to run on a network, sharing data with
more than one person, you could have more than one person entering
invoices, payments, orders, etc. for the same company at the same time.
Peachtree Accounting uses Record and File locking to ensure that data is
properly protected and updated. A record is one group of information,
composed of related fields. For example, the fields in one customer’s
window—Name, Address, Phone, etc.—go together to form that customer’s
record. Likewise, all customer records go together to form the customer file.
14
If two people were making changes to the same customer, without record and
file locking, two things could happen:
•The information could get jumbled, combining each person’s
changes.
•Person #1, wo rking on the same customer information as Person #2,
saves his changes first. Person #2 finishes their changes and saves the
record a few minutes later. Person #2’s changes will be the only
changes saved, since Person #2 was the last person to save the record.
To eliminate either possibility from occurring, Peachtree Accounting uses
“locks” to prevent a particular record or file from being accessed by more than
one person at a time. In the example above, when the second perso n attempts
to change the customer record the first person is using, Peachtree Accounting
will wait for the first person to finish, then allow the second user to begin. In
special cases when Peachtree cannot wait, it will display the following
message:
“That record in file ‘Customer.DAT’ is currently in use. Please try again
when it is available.”
Peachtree Accounting uses two different types of locks: Record Locks, and
Exclusive File Locks.
Installing Pea chtree Accounting on a Network
About Record and File Locking
Record Locks
A record lock prevents more than one user from working on the same data
record, such as customer information, at the same time. This ensures that
record information does not become jumbled, and changes are processed
correctly.
For instance, when you select Maintain Customers/Prospects and choose a
Customer ID, Peachtree Accounting “locks” that record. Other users who
attempt to access the same customer record will first experience a waiting
period to allow the first user to finish. Once Peachtree completes the first
user’s task, Peachtree will begin the second task. In special cases, you may
receive a message indicating that the record is currently locked. Once the first
user has saved changes and closed the record, Peachtree Accounting removes
the lock, allowing other users to access the record. Other users will still be able
to perform functions such as entering invoices and printing reports, but no
one else will be able to update the customer in formation until the first user has
finished and closed the record.
For example, if you are using real-time posting and changing a customer
record, and a second user is simultaneously posting a receipt for the same
customer, the second user’s posting will experience a waiting period while
Peachtree saves your customer changes. Then, Peachtree will post the second
user’s receipt.
Exclusive File Locks
An exclusive file lock prevents more than one user from accessing the same
file at the same time. During critical processes , an exclusive f ile lock is placed
on all of your company’s files. These processes include
•Backing up
•Restoring
•Changing the period
•Closing the payroll (calendar) year
•Closing the fiscal year
•Posting (From Tasks menu, System, Post)
only in Batch mode
•Unposting (From Tasks menu, System, Post)
only in Batch mode
•Maintaining user IDs and passwords
•Purging data
15
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
When you attempt to perform any of these processes, if another user has the
company open, even if only at the main screen, the following message
displays:
“You are attempting to access an area that another user is also using, or
you are atte mptin g to pe rform a proc es s th at re quires single-user access.
Please try again when no other users are attempting the same operation
or accessing Peachtree Accounting.”
Once no one else is using Peachtree Accounting, try the process again.
16
What’s Next?
Now that you have successfully installed Peachtree Accounting, you’re ready
to get started using the program. One of the best ways to get familiar with
Peachtree Accounting is to open the program and look around.
If you need assistance starting the program or navigating within Peachtree
Accounting, refer to the “Basics” chapter of th e User’s Guide.
Registering Peachtree Accounting
Register your copy of Peachtree Accounting as soon as possible after installing
the program. Registration is very important because it ensures you of timely
program updates and upgrade offers, exciting new product information,
payroll tax service information, technical support options, and a variety of
other benefits.
You can only use the software a limited number of times before you must
register. Also, if you are operating on a network, you must purchase and
Note
register a licensed copy of Peachtree Accounting for each workstation. For
more information on multius er licensing, open Peachtree Accounting Help
and search for “multiuser” in the online index.
What’s Next?
Registering Peachtree Accounting
1Start Peachtree Accounting. If your product is not registered, a window
appears asking you to register.
If Peachtree Accounting is already running, select Peachtree Registration
from the Help menu.
2In the initial Register Peachtree Accounting window, select Register Now.
3Enter your Peachtree Accounting Serial Number.
Your serial number is located on the inside cover of this manual, the
Getting Started Guide.
17
Introducing and Installi ng Peach tree Accou nt ing
1
Getting Started Guide
4Enter the Registration Unlock Code.
To obtain an unlock code, do one of the following:
Call Peachtree Software toll free at 1-800-718-1592. International
➤
customers can call 612-906-3201. Please have your serial number,
company address, and telephone number available before speaking with a
Peachtree Customer Service representative. The Cu stomer Service
representative will then gi ve you an unlock code.
➤ Visit Peachtree Software’s Internet web site at
http://www.peachtree.com/register/
you will be given an unlock code.
5When finished entering your registration information, click OK to start
using Peachtree Accounting.
If you select the R egister Later butt on, you c an use Peachtree Accounting
a limited number of times before you need to register. A message will
show the remaining number of uses before con tin uing. If you have no
remaining uses left and choose not to register, Peachtree A cc ounting will
shut down. If you start Peachtree Accounting again, you will be
prompted to register again.
. After answering a few questions,
Write down your serial number and registration unlock code and keep
them in a safe place in case you ever need to reinstall the product.
Note
Practicing with Sample Data and Tutorials
Before you begin setting up your company in Peachtree Accounting, it is
highly recommended that you explore the sample company data installed
with Peachtree Accounting. You can practice adding records or transactions
without using your own data.
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