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Manage ProFile's password protection function

by Intuit Updated 2 months ago

What has changed

In release 2017.2.5 and later, ProFile features can now access password protected files when assigned a generic password. Access by features to password-protected files applies to T1, T2, T3, and FX modules in tax year 2015 and onward.

Currently, the Hub and Corporate Linking features support access to password protected files. More features will support access in future ProFile releases.


Set password protection for files

Applying a generic password permits all future or updated files to be accessible by ProFile’s features.

1. Open ProFile.

2. Select Environment under the Options dropdown menu in the top toolbar. The Environment Options window displays.

3. Select the Security tab.

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4. Select the Allow password protection for return(s) checkbox.

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4. Select the Create a generic password for return(s) checkbox. The Enter Password and Confirm Password fields activate.

5. Enter a password and confirm it.

Note: Select Show Password to display the password as it is entered. Select the link again to conceal the password.

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6. Select the Enable the following features access to password protected files checkbox.

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7. Select the feature to permit access to password protected files (e.g. Hub and/or Corporate Linking).

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8. Select the OK button.

The password-protection feature activates. Users can now apply password protection to files.


Apply password protection to files

To apply the settings to a file:

1. Complete a new file in ProFile.
2. Select the Save As... option under the File drop-down menu in the top toolbar.
The Save As window displays.

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3. Select the Use generic password checkbox in the bottom-left corner of the window.

Note: Select Show password to display the password as it is entered. Select the link again to conceal the password.

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4. Select the Save button.

The file saves with the new generic password and is now readable by ProFile.


Frequently asked questions

The most likely cause of the error is that the file was assigned a unique password that cannot be read by the feature. To assign a new generic password:

  1. Open an existing file using the old generic password.
  2. Select the Save As... option under the File drop-down menu in the top toolbar.
  3. Select the Use generic password checkbox in the bottom-left corner of the window.
  4. Select the Save button.

The file saves with the new generic password and is now readable by ProFile.

No. Assigning a new, generic password will not overwrite existing password protected files. Those existing files will retain the previously assigned password.

Files already protected with a previously set password will retain that existing password.

To assign a new generic password to an existing password protected file:

  1. Open an existing file using the old generic password.
  2. Select the Save As... option under the File drop-down menu in the top toolbar.
  3. Select the Use generic password checkbox in the bottom-left corner of the window.
  4. Select the Save button.

The file saves with the new generic password and is now readable by ProFile.

Currently, the generic password and password confirmation characters are not visible when being entered. This feature will be included in a future ProFile release.

No. A file already using a generic password will not be able to be read by ProFile if it is assigned a unique password. An error message will display if it tries to read a file assigned a unique password.

Password protection settings apply in the ProFile options package. As long as a user correctly transfers the options package to a new computer, the password protection settings will be retained.

Alternatively, a ProFile user can repeat the password protection setup process on the new computer.

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