HandiTax Lodgement Error Workaround: Pre-selecting Usernames

Background

 
Users were unable to perform prefill and lodgement functions in HandiTax. Investigation revealed that the issue stemmed from an incompatibility between HandiSoft and the new dash character ("—") used by Microsoft in usernames on computers joined to Entra ID (Microsoft 365 for Work). HandiSoft doesn't correctly process this character, causing the application to fail with prefills and lodgements (error message "SBR Lodgement failed"). A temporary fix was devised to modify the desktop and taskbar shortcuts for affected users. This workaround involves adding a specific username to the shortcut's target path, forcing HandiSoft to pre-select a known-good user account and bypass the compatibility problem.
 

Instructions

 
Step 1: Access the Shortcut Properties

1. Locate the HandiSoft desktop icon.
2. Right-click the icon.
3. From the context menu, select Properties. (This will open the "HandiSoft 2025 Properties")
   

Step 2: Modify the "Target" Field

1. In the "HandiSoft 2025 Properties" window, ensure the Shortcut tab is selected.
2. Find the field labeled Target:.
3. At the very end of the existing path in the Target: field, add a space, followed by the desired username.

Example:

• Original Target: \\handisoft-server\HSoft\Apps\Hct25.exe
• Modified Target (for Crystal Wilcox): \\handisoft-server\HSoft\Apps\Hct25.exe USERNAME

Step 3: Apply the Changes

1. Click the Apply button at the bottom right of the properties window.
2. Click the OK button to close the window.

Step 4: Update the Taskbar Icon
If the HandiSoft icon is pinned to the taskbar, you will also need to update its properties.

1. Right-click the HandiSoft icon on the taskbar.
2. From the pop-up menu, right-click the program name ("HandiSoft 2025")
   .
3. Select Properties. This will open the same "HandiSoft 2025 Properties" window as before.
4. Follow Steps 2 and 3 to modify the Target: field for the taskbar shortcut as well.

By following these steps, you will create a shortcut that pre-selects the specified username bypassing the issue with the dash character in the username.