What You Need to Know about 64-bit Working Papers

Recently CaseWare International sent out notification that a new version (2016.00.115) was released in both a 32-bit version and for the first time ever, a 64-bit version. Likely, two questions immediately arise for you:

1. Should I upgrade to 2016 at all?  
2. Which version (32- or 64-bit) should I upgrade to?

1) Should I Upgrade to Working Papers 2016? 

If you are in the middle of year-end / quarter-end or other significant reporting period - do not upgrade now. Otherwise, the short answer is yes. There are 3 major reasons why:

1. CaseWare Working Papers 2016 has a variety of improvements and enhancements over the prior versions of the software.  You should review the Enhancement tab of the Working Papers page on CaseWare's web site and determine if anything there is a real game changer for the way you use the software.
2. Another important consideration is what other products from CaseWare International you use. Their latest versions may require you to have Working Papers 2016.  For instance, users of the Financials Template who want to upgrade to version 14 must have Working Papers 2016 as a technical prerequisite.
3. Finally, all Working Papers users should keep in mind CaseWare International's technical support policy, which only extends back one major version.  If you are currently using Working Papers 2014 or earlier, you cannot receive technical support. You should strongly consider upgrading as soon as possible.

2) 32-bit or the 64-bit Version?

As we recently told you want to be using 64-bit. However, some of you may not be able to with your current computer.  The first step is to check whether you can run the 64-bit version.  If you are not sure how to check yourself - ask one of the FHB consulting team or your own IT department.

Now, if you are able to run 64-bit software, Stop.

Your current version of Working Papers is 32-bit. That means when it was installed it was almost certainly saved in a 32-bit directory (likely C:\Program Files (x86)\CaseWare). If you install the 64-bit version into this directory, the upgrade will run as expected.

Your IT department may wish to install it in 64-bit location (C:\Program Files\CaseWare). If they do this, the 64-bit version will not replace your 32-bit version. You will wind up with a second version of Working Papers alongside the existing version. That can be confusing!

Further, all your templates are installed in the 32-bit version directory and don't get moved to the other directory.

If IT wishes to install into the 64-bit location the approach is simple:

1. Repackage all templates
2. Uninstall all templates after verifying your CWP files
3. Uninstall 32-bit version of Working Papers
4. Install 64-bit version of Working Papers
5. Re-install templates into 64-bit path

If you have any questions or concerns about the upgrade procedure, contact the FHB consulting team and we'll be happy to discuss!