Manage ProFile's password protection function

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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 be supported for access in future ProFile releases.

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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. The Environment Options window will display.
3. Select the Security tab.

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

5. Select the Create a generic password for return(s) checkbox. The Enter Password and Confirm Password fields activate.
6. 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.

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

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

9. Select OK.

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

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Apply password protection to files

To apply the settings to a file:

1. Create a new file in ProFile.
2. Select the Save As... option under the File dropdown menu. The Save As window displays.

3. Select the Use generic password checkbox.

Note: Select Show password to display the password as it's entered. Next, select the link again to conceal the password.

4. Select Save.

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

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Frequently asked questions

Why am I getting an error message that Hub or Link can't access a password protected file?

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 dropdown menu.
3. Select the Use generic password checkbox.
4. Select Save.

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

Can I accidentally override an existing password protected file with a new generic password?

No. Assigning a new, generic password won't replace existing password protected files. Those existing files will retain the previously assigned password.

What happens to existing password protected files if I create a new generic password to use going forward?

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

How do I assign the new generic password to existing password protected files?

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 dropdown menu.
3. Select the Use generic password checkbox.
4. Select Save.

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

How can I see the password and password confirmation I'm entering in the Security tab?

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

Can I assign a unique password to a file that already uses a generic password?

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.

Are password protection settings retained if I transfer my files to a different computer?

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

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

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