Quickbooks 2005 doesn't display help

Can't help.. but I would state that the inability to deliver a decent trial version seems to say a bit about the company, doesn't it?

Most likely (95% certain) this caused by the latest Microsoft security patch just released. There is a solution, and I have it, but your remark about the accent lost you a free lunch ticket from Big Al.

L,

I'm sure if the demo version was developed after Microsoft released their latest security patch the Help System would work. In the last two weeks I have experienced this same problem in my office and have seen it at several client sites as well. The problem is not unique to Quickbooks, it is showing up in other programs as well.

Awww shucks, Big Al, why don't you give the guy a break? Prejudice is wrong, but honestly as much as I can understand outsourcing, not being from the US of A is a BIG problem with US customers. See, idioms are not directly translatable. I have had MANY problems trying to get outsourced tech folks to understand what problem currently exists with the software. Not Intuit folks.. just support in general.

If the problem came from the MS patch and you have the solution, wouldn't it be a good idea to reveal it to someone who is test-driving the software?

Sure Intuit can afford to pay a typical US IT graduate to help some jerk deside if they want to buy QB basic. It just ain't going to happen. It would probably cost them more than they would make on the sale. In any event why should we assume that the Indian tech suport person is not just as qualified.

I'm actually a pro-outsourcing person when it comes to development, document processing or any behind-the-scene work. Why not, when you can hire the same talent for cheaper? But not customer service! In this case, the accent had a direct impact on the efficiency of our call, especially when the words "F8" and "Esc" sounded just like the same from the other side of the phone. I almost had to ask the guy to repeat his words like every other sentence. but I guess by mentioning "accent" in my posting, it was "prejudice" and i must've been a "jerk".

I tried Microsoft Small Business Accounting, and it seemed to be a much better solution in terms of quality, user friendliness, integration, cosmetics and guess what the Help works! So I've decided to switch to Microsoft SBA, although I already know what those anti-Microsoft guys are going to say.

And please, Allan, stoping being a jerk and help the QB users next time when they need it.

I have mended my ways. I am trying real hard to help Tara with her printing checks problem.

One more thing, now that you have left the QB fold. The solution can be found in Microsoft's KB #896054.