Asset Keeper - Support FAQ’s

An activation code is required to convert Asset Keeper from DEMO mode to an unlimited version. Until you enter your activation code, Asset Keeper will start in DEMO mode. While in DEMO mode, whenever AK starts, a screen will be displayed prompting you for your activation code. To activate the program, click the ‘Enter Activation Code’ button and type in your program prefix, serial number, and the activation code provided to you on the CD case that your CD was shipped in. If you bypassed the prompt during the startup, you may enter the activation information by selecting the option "Enter Activation Code" from the Help Menu, or wait until the next time you start AK.

I lost my activation code, how can I get another one?

Select Enter Activation Code from the Help Menu. Click the Request Activation Code button on the screen that is displayed. Complete the form that will be displayed and email or fax to Pro-Ware. We will respond by email if you email your request or by fax if you fax your request to us.

How can I tell what version of Asset Keeper I am using?

Go to the Main Menu and at the bottom of the File Selected screen, which is displayed in the middle of the screen whenever you are at the Main Menu, you will find the version and version date of the Asset Keeper program you are using. Generally, the version number will change with each new ANNUAL update; however, the version date will change whenever we issue an interim update.

How can I tell if I have the most current version of Asset Keeper?

Asset Keeper is updated annually and you will receive an update notice and update order blank via mail each year around the 1st of November. The version number will increment by one with each new annual update. For 2007, the current version is 22. During the year, we will issue interim updates to make minor fixes and enhancements to the program. Interim updates are downloaded from our website and are not sent out on a CD unless specifically requested.

If you need an update and do not have an upgrade order blank, you will need to call Pro-Ware at 402.861.8800 to determine what your upgrade cost is or to place an upgrade order for the most current version. You can place your order over the phone or we can fax you an upgrade order blank.

If you have the current version and want to verify that you have the most current release of that version, follow the instructions in the next section, "How do I get the most current release of the current version of Asset Keeper?".

How do I get the most current release of the current version of Asset Keeper?

The most current release of Asset Keeper is always available on our website and can be downloaded by current users at any time. For example, if you have version 22 of Asset Keeper, the most current release of version 22 can be downloaded by selecting the Update AK option from the toolbar on the Main Menu or selecting Update Asset Keeper from the Help Menu. Naturally, you must have an internet connection to use this option. The auto-update feature built into Asset Keeper will download and install the update for you.

Alternatively, you can go to the Pro-Ware website ( www.proware-cpa.com/ak_updates.html ) and download the update to your computer and install it. Instructions for installing the update are included on our website.

Will Asset Keeper prompt me to download the current release of Asset Keeper?

Yes, the default settings for the auto-update feature in AK is to prompt you every 15 days during the period of January 1 through April 15. After April 15, you will be prompted every 30 days to check for a new update. If you are not being prompted, it may be that this feature has been turned off. To verify that the auto-update feature is enabled, click the Update AK button on the Main Menu toolbar or select Update Asset Keeper from the Help Menu. At the bottom of the screen that will be displayed, there is a checkbox to disable the auto-update feature. If you want to enable the auto-update feature, uncheck the box.

Remember, even if this feature is disabled, you can always check for an update at any time by clicking the Update AK button on the Main Menu toolbar or selecting Update Asset Keeper from the Help Menu. On the screen that is displayed, click the OK button to check for, download, and install the current release.

What should I do if my partnership (or company) split up and we each want our own copy of Asset Keeper?

You will need to purchase an additional licensed copy of Asset Keeper for each company or office location. In the case of a firm split, we offer special pricing for additional licenses; however, we cannot make a determination regarding who should pay for the additional copies of Asset Keeper. After deciding who will retain the original license and who will pay the cost of the additional licenses, you can call Pro-Ware at 402.861.8800 to place your order.

Since I've never used Asset Keeper before, what is the best way to get an overview of its features?

The Asset Keeper Tutorial provides a quick overview of how to get started. It includes instructional text and video presentations to describe some of the most common features. To access the Tutorial, select the Asset Keeper Tutorial option from the Help Menu.

I can't find my Asset Keeper CD. How do I get a new one?

If you are using the current version of Asset Keeper, you can purchase a replacement CD from Pro-Ware. Call customer service at 402.861.8800 to order.

Installation

What should I do if I put the Asset Keeper CD in my computer and nothing happens?

We rely on the "autorun" feature of Windows to start the installation program when you insert the Asset Keeper CD; however, if this Windows feature has been disabled or is not working properly, the installation program will not start. To manually start the installation program, click on My Computer, then right-click on the drive that represents your CD-ROM drive and select Open from the menu. When the contents of the CD are displayed, double-click on AUTORUN.EXE and the installation program will start.

Can I access my data files on a network if I install Asset Keeper on my computer?

Yes. If Asset Keeper is installed on your computer, you can access data files on your local computer, a network, or any drive that you can navigate to using Windows Explorer. We recommend installing Asset Keeper on each individual computer instead of a server because it will run faster and eliminate unnecessary network traffic.

Do I need another copy of Asset Keeper if I want to install it on another computer in my office?

No. Every copy of Asset Keeper comes with a site license, which allows you to install it on every computer in your office location and laptops that may be used by your office staff. If you want to install it on another computer at a difference office location, even if it is in the same building (such as on another floor), you will need to purchase an additional licensed copy of Asset Keeper.

After I've installed my latest annual update, how do I remove my old version?

To remove older versions of Asset Keeper, double-click on My Computer, then double-click on Control Panel, and then select Add / Remove Programs. Select the Asset Keeper version that you want to remove and click the Remove button. This is the only safe way to remove prior versions of Asset Keeper from your computer.

Files Menu

How Do I backup my data files?

The best way to backup your data files is to use the option Backup/Restore in the Files Menu. This option is a wizard that will allow you to backup your data files or restore data files from a previously created backup file. The backup files created are in standard "zip" format and can be viewed using any software program, in addition to Asset Keeper, that reads standard zip files, such as, Windows XP.

How do I select a file that I restored from a backup file?

After restoring a file from a backup, the file is NOT automatically selected or added to the File Listing. To select the file, pay careful attention to the information presented in the Backup/Restore Wizard regarding where your file will be restored to. You will then need to select the ADD button in the File Listing and add the file to the listing. After adding the file to the File Listing, you can then use the Select button to select it.

How do I rename a file?

To rename a file, go to the File Listing and do one of the following:

Right-click on the "company name" in the grid and select Rename from the popup menu. A dialog screen will be displayed that enables you to rename the file.
Highlight the file you want to rename by clicking on any of its data in the grid. Then click the More button at the bottom of the screen and click Rename from the popup menu. A dialog screen will be displayed that enables you to rename the file.

Why does Asset Keeper warn me that I'm using a temporary file?

When you perform a "Reset for a New Year", an unreset backup file is created in case you forgot to make a backup and need to return to the prior year. If you perform an "UnReset to Prior Year" you have the option of doing a TEMPORARY unreset to the prior year. A temporary unreset is normally selected when you just want to print a forgotten report rather than change your data. When Asset Keeper performs a temporary unreset, your data file is extracted from the unreset backup file and saved in a "temp" folder. The temporary unreset file is automatically selected after the unreset is competed and is automatically selected whenever you start Asset Keeper UNLESS you select your original data file. If you receive a message when you start Asset Keeper that you are using a temporary unreset file, Asset Keeper is warning you that you are NOT using your original data file.

Assets Menu

Why don't I advance to the next method when adding assets?

When adding assets, you need to use the F2 key to advance to the next tabbed page. The F2 key is a shortcut key that tells Asset Keeper that you are finished with the current page and you are ready to advance to the next page. If you are on the last page when you press the F2 key, Asset Keeper will save the asset, calculate depreciation, and position you on the first screen ready for the next asset. Using the tab key or clicking on the page tabs at the top of the screen are not recommended methods of advancing to the next tabbed page.

Can I trade two assets for one?

Yes, but first you must consolidate the two assets into one. To consolidate assets, select the option Consolidate Assets from the Global Options submenu in the Assets Menu. The Consolidate Assets Wizard will step you through consolidating your assets. After the assets have been consolidated, you can trade the consolidated asset by clicking on the Trade button in the Add / Edit assets toolbar..

Why am I not being prompted to enter a description when entering Sort Codes or account numbers?

To turn this features on or off, run the Configuration Wizard option in the Housekeeping Menu and mark the appropriate checkbox on the Program Defaults #2 screen. By default, this feature is turned OFF.

How do I enter an asset acquired, but not placed-in-service?

Enter the asset normally; however, on the General Page select I)nactive for the Status Code field. No depreciation will be calculated for the asset until the Status Code is changed to A)ctive. Since the date acquired field is also used as the date place-in-service, when the Status Code is changed to Active, you should also change the date acquired to the current date.

Is there a way to duplicate the last asset entered?

Yes. When entering assets, you can duplicate the prior asset entered if you need to enter a number of assets that are the same or similar. After you are finished entering an asset and are positioned on the description field, click the "Dupe Asset" button in the toolbar. All the fields will be pre-populated with data from the last asset entered. You can even press the Dupe Asset button if you close the Add / Edit screen and re-open it. The last asset entered, even if it was two weeks ago, will be used to populate the data on the Add / Edit screen.

Can I still use Auto Assign Section 179 and apply the $ 25,000 limit to SUV's?

You can still use the Auto Assign Section 179 and have it respect this limit by doing the following.

First, edit the asset subject to the $ 25,000 limit and enter the amount of Section 179 that you want to take on this asset.
Second, save the asset and let it re-calculate the current annual depreciation.
Finally, edit the asset and change the "Override Depreciation" button next to Current Depreciation to YES. Don't change anything, just save the asset.
Now when you run the Auto Assign Section 179 option, reduce the total amount of Section 179 to allocate based on the amounts you assigned to assets subject to the $ 25,000 limit and Asset Keeper will NOT change the amount of Section 179 assigned to those asset.

Calculate Menu

How often do I need to calculate annual depreciation?

The procedure that we recommend is to add all your assets to your file for the current year, then run the Calculate Annual Depreciation Wizard to determine if midquarter convention applies to the your current year additions. If you don't add any additional assets or make any changes to the current additions, you shouldn't need to run the Calculate Annual Depreciation Wizard again since Asset Keeper automatically re-calculates depreciation for assets edited, disposed or traded using the appropriate convention. Nevertheless, some users feel more comfortable running the Calculate Annual Depreciation Wizard before printing annual reports for the current year. Although there is no harm to re-calculating annual depreciation using the wizard, most of the time, it is completely unnecessary.

Why doesn't my annual depreciation in the Add / Edit screen agree to my monthly depreciation report?

If you've edited the asset the annual depreciation changes, you will need to run the Calculate Monthly Depreciation Wizard to have those changes reflected in your monthly depreciation calculations. You may also want to verify that you haven't overridden the monthly depreciation calculations that could prevent the correct annual from being allocated properly when monthly depreciation is calculated. To determine if overrides are affecting your monthly depreciation calculations, click the "Ovr Montly" button in the toolbar while the asset is displayed in the Add / Edit screen. The amounts in the override screen should agree to the asset's current annual depreciation.

Do I need to re-calculate annual depreciation before I run the Short Year Wizard?

No, the Short Year Wizard will re-calculate annual depreciation for all your methods before performing the pro-ration calculations required for a short year.

Reports Menu

How do I tell Asset Keeper to quit prompting me for my printer?

If you print your reports to the same printer all the time, you can turn off the printer dialog that displays before your report is printed. To turn the printer dialog off, run the Configuration Wizard option in the Housekeeping Menu and uncheck the appropriate checkbox on the Program Defaults #2 screen. By default, the printer dialog is ON.

Housekeeping Menu

How do I return to the previous year if I didn't make a backup?

When you run the option Reset for New Year, Asset Keeper creates an "unreset" file. This is actually a backup of your file! You can use the option UnReset to Prior Year to restore your data files from the unreset file.

How do I expand my data file for an additional depreciation method?

Run the option Add a Method in the Methods submenu of the Housekeeping Menu. This option allows you to add a new depreciation method to your data file.

Help Menu

What resources are available for learning about Asset Keeper?

Help System - Press F1 from anywhere within the program to display the Help System.
Tutorial - If you are new to Asset Keeper, you should probably go through the tutorial. You can display or print the tutorial by selecting Asset Keeper Tutorial from the Help Menu. If you run the tutorial from the Asset Keeper CD, the Internet, or if you copied the tutorial videos to your computer, you can run the video clips that will demonstrate how to use many of the features in Asset Keeper.
Online Discussion Board - The online discussion board on the Pro-Ware website has hundreds of postings from users regarding various issues concerning the program. Very often, you can find a solution to your problem or additional information about your concerns on the discussion board. To view the discussion board, go to www.proware-cpa.com/discussion.html.
Technical Support - Of course, you can always call our technical support staff for assistance. Alternatively, you can use the option "Comment / Question / Suggestion" in the Help Menu to fax or email us. Very often, we can respond more quickly and in greater detail via email or fax than we can if you call us.