Frequently Asked Questions of Peachtree - for Upgraders

Peachtree do not have a separate upgrade version, all products are FULL products. However, we do provide discounted offers for upgraders, please contact us for details.

It mainly depends on your need. We advise you to check the new Peachtree features first to see if the new functions of Peachtree will be useful to you. As a general rule, every year Peachtree will release a new version. Every new version of Peachtree will only has limited new features, so it may not be necessary to upgrade your Peachtree every year. For Peachtree 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 206 users, you may find the many added new features since your using old release worth the upgrade to version 2008.

It should be noted that Peachtree (U.S.) has an product obsolete policy of supporting 3 previous versions. So, if you haven't upgraded your Peachtree for a long time, you may not be able to receive support service for your Peachtree version. For Peachtree versions 4, 6, 7 and 8, upgrade to version 2008 is highly recommended because of the much more powerful functionality and program stability.

Over the years, Peachtree has progressively improved its functionality, stability as well as security. In addition to the new functions of Peachtree, starting from version 2007, Peachtree has changed to use a more powerful and stable database engine - Pervasive SQL Workstation Engine version 9 - instead of the out-dated btrieve engine version 6.15. This results in Peachtree supporting a larger transaction volume, running faster, and also more stable. The user security has also been improved, which enables Peachtree users to protect their sensitive financial data at the highest security possible.

If you do not need to keep your current data, your choice could simply be based on which product provides the functions best suit your need and budget.

However, if you want to keep your current data, you need to consider also the upgrade path of Peachtree:

Peachtree has automatic upgrade function for older Peachtree versions, which means you can keep your current data. However, you can only upgrade to a newer Peachtree version of the SAME or HIGHER LEVEL, but not moving down to a lower level product. For example, you can upgrade your data from Peachtree Complete Accounting 2005 to Peachtree Premium Accounting 2008. However, you cannot convert your data from Peachtree Premium Accounting 2006 to Peachtree Complete Accounting 2008.

Here is how that hierarchy works.

First Level	Peachtree First Accounting
Second Level	Peachtree Accounting
Third Level	Peachtree Complete Accounting
Fourth Level	Peachtree Premium Accounting
Fifth Level	Peachtree Premium Accounting for Distribution Peachtree Premium Accounting for Manufacturing Peachtree Premium Accounting for Construction Peachtree Premium Accounting for Non-Profits

Also, within the same level, you cannot convert between products. For instance, you cannot convert a company from Peachtree Premium for Distribution to Peachtree Premium for Construction. For example, Peachtree Premium 2007 for Distribution must upgrade to Peachtree Premium 2008 for Distribution.

Start your Peachtree, from the menu bar select "Help" then look for "About Peachtree Accounting". You should be able to locate your Peachtree version.

No, the upgrade process is painless. You do not need to re-enter your data. Instead, almost all your data will be converted to the new version automatically once you open your current old data with the new Peachtree program.

Though Peachtree has added many new functions, the simplicity and ease of use remain unchanged. You can always do things the way you used to do before in the new release, though you can perform many other tasks that are not possible in your current version. You may want to try it first before deciding on your ugprade.

The following questions may help:

• Will I keep all my current data, including transactions or will I carry beginning balances only?
• Will I have multiple users accessing Peachtree concurrently?
• Do my computer hardware and software support the newest Peachtree relase?
• Do I need consultation, training and maintenance support?