QuickBooks Payroll Bulletin | December 2006

10 Tips for Optimizing QuickBooks Performance

As you get set for the new year, refer to these tips to gain top performance from your QuickBooks software.

1. Make sure your hardware meets or exceeds minimum requirements.

The right hardware will help you get the most out of QuickBooks. Learn more about the system requirements for your version of QuickBooks:

• QuickBooks 2007
• QuickBooks 2006
• QuickBooks 2005
• QuickBooks 2004

2. Always use QuickBooks in Recommended Mode.

Proper network setup is essential for optimal QuickBooks performance. Learn more about network and multi-user setup for QuickBooks 2007 and QuickBooks 2006.

3. Optimize network performance.

For best performance on a network, use a 100 Mbps hard-wired network. Avoid wireless network solutions, due to possible breaks in the connection.

Also avoid external hard drives when possible. Use a fast disk on the server. The faster the disk, the better QuickBooks will perform: 7,200 to 10,000 rpm is good.

4. Configure anti-virus software properly.

An anti-virus utility running a real-time scanning engine can cause QuickBooks to operate at a slower speed. You can improve performance by disabling real-time scanning. Read more about anti-virus software and QuickBooks.

5. Configure firewalls so they will not interfere with QuickBooks.

Internet security and personal firewall application settings can affect how QuickBooks accesses payroll and program updates online. Incorrect settings can result in update errors. Learn more about configuring firewall programs from McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro, and Zone Labs to work with your version of QuickBooks:

• McAfee
  • QuickBooks 2007
  • QuickBooks 2006
  • QuickBooks 2005
• Norton
  
  • QuickBooks 2007
  • QuickBooks 2006
  • QuickBooks 2005
• Trend Micro
  
  • QuickBooks 2007
  • QuickBooks 2006
  • QuickBooks 2005
• Zone Labs
  
  • QuickBooks 2007
  • QuickBooks 2006
  • QuickBooks 2005

6. Run anti-spyware software.

Spyware can create significant unwanted CPU activity, disk usage, and network traffic—slowing down the legitimate use of system resources by QuickBooks.

7. Defragment your hard drive regularly.

This task keeps hard drive access as fast as possible. In Windows, go to Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools. Click on Disk Defragmenter. When the window pops up, click Defragment to begin the process. The defragmentation process can take quite a bit of time, especially the first time.

8. Reduce the number of reminders and memorized transactions.

Reminders and memorized transactions can increase QuickBooks start-up time. If your program starts too slowly, try limiting your reminders and memorized transactions to just those you really need.

9. Uninstall previous versions of QuickBooks.

You can also improve program start-up time by uninstalling previous versions of QuickBooks. From your Windows Start menu, go to Settings>Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs. For each previous version of QuickBooks, click Uninstall.

10. Periodically clean up your company file.

This feature, formerly called Archive and Condense, removes obsolete list entries and transactions.

To clean up your company file:

1. In QuickBooks, go to the File menu and select Utilities.
2. Select Clean Up Company Data.

Sometimes you can achieve additional file compression by creating and restoring a portable company file. Learn more.

The information contained in the QuickBooks Payroll Bulletin is meant to provide general information about the payroll process and is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. Always consult your tax professional when preparing tax documents.