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How to Create a Desktop Shortcut on Local/Networked PC

Thu, Jun 22, 2023  Desktop Program, Network

During the install, a shortcut is added to your desktop. This shortcut provides a quick and convenient way to access the software. This article provides steps on how to restore a deleted shortcut and how to create a shortcut for a workstation when using a network install. A networked installation allows the desktop software to be shared to other workstations in the same office/on the same network.

 

How to restore a shortcut on a stand-alone computer:

 

To open File Explorer, hold the Windows key and press E.

  1. From the left pane, open the C: (A) to access the tax software folder. The C drive is the default location where the software is stored during the installation process. If the path was changed during setup, navigate to locate the tax software folder xlinkXX (B). The software year will be displayed in place of xx. (Example: xlink23 = Tax Software 23 for Tax Year 2022.)

  2. Double click on the xlinkXX folder to view the software files, scroll to the bottom to locate the "xlink32.exe" (A). Right click the application file to view additional options. Select Send to (B) and choose Desktop (create shortcut) (C). Note: Choose More options if the Send to is not visible after a right click. 

How to create a shortcut on a workstation of a network install:

  1. From the left pane, select Network. A list of networked computers will be displayed in the right pane. Double click the host computer to view the shared folders. See KB 85 to locate the name of Host PC. Important Note: The Host and Sub workstations need to be on the same Private network connection. See KB 712, steps 2&3 to validate network settings on both PCs. 


  2. Open the folder for the software year that needs to be shared to the desktop. Important Note: Folders are labeled "xlinkXX" The software year is displayed in place of XX. (Ex: xlink23 = Tax Software 23 for Tax Year 2022.)

  3. Inside the Tax Software folder, right click on xlink32.exe and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). 

  4. The desktop shortcut will display a generic software icon. See KB 86 - To set the icon image on the shortcut. Repeat steps 2-4 for each Software Year that needs to be shared. 
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