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Troubleshooting: EzW2 Software Stops Working

Question from customer: ezW2 software suddenly stopped working this morning. When I clicked the shortcut icon on my desktop, I got "ezW2 stops working error". How can I fix this error?

Solution: Several reasons can cause this issue. Please check the solution belows.

1: Shortcut is broken

1.1 Open the program folder. The default folder is:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Halfpricesoft\ezW2(20XX)

for example:

If you are using ezW2 2025, the folder is
C:\Program Files (x86)\Halfpricesoft\ezW2(2025)

1.2 Double click "ezW2.exe" file to start ezW2 software.

1.3 If you can run ezW2.exe from the program folder, remove the broken desktop icon, follow this guide to add a new shortcut on desktop.

2. Settings file is messed up

2.1 Open the application data folder:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\Halfpricesoft\ezW2(20XX)

If you are running ezW2 2025, the data folder is:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Halfpricesoft\ezW2(2025)

2.2 Rename file "settings.xml" to "settings_old".xml



2.3 Restart ezW2 and enter the key code again.

2.4 Swith the current account if needed by clicking ezW2 top menu "Company Management" then "Select company".

3. Some Anti-virus and Ant-spy Applications May Block Installation by Mistake

According to clients' feedback, the following applications may stop our software from downloading or running.

- Bitdefender - from Romania.
Our clients said they could edit the setting to allow our software running.
https://www.bitdefender.com/support/i-can-no-longer-use-an-application-868.html

- webroot - Our clients said they could edit the settings to allow our software
https://docs.webroot.com/us/en/home/wsa_pc_userguide/Content/ManagingQuarantine/BlockingOrAllowingFiles.htm

- Kaspersky - from Russia. If you are still using it, please read this warning news
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/experts-link-nsa-leaks-shadow-brokers-russia-kaspersky-144840962.html

- Windows Defender - You can try the following solutions:

1. Add an exclusion to Windows Defender Antivirus
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028485/windows-10-add-an-exclusion-to-windows-defender-antivirus

2. Allow a blocked app in Windows Defender Security Center
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4046851/windows-10-controlled-folder-access-windows-defender-security-center




4: User permission issue

Please make sure you log on your machine as administrator or a user with enough permission to run ezW2. You need to have the FULL CONTROL permisson (or at least Read, Write & Execute permissions) of the program folder and the data folder.

The default program folder path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Halfpricesoft\ezW2(20XX)

The default data folder path:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Halfpricesoft\ezW2(20XX)






5: Re-install ezW2 software from scratch

You still see this issue, follow this guide step by step and reinstall ezW2 software from scratch. Do not skip the database backup step!


W2 software

ezW2 software: SSA Approved. Trusted By Thousands for Two Decades.

  • Print and eFile Form W2, W3, 1099-NEC & 1096 in House.
  • Unlimited Company Accounts! Unlimited Forms!
  • Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP and other Windows computers.

    • Try it free today. No obligation. No credit card required.

            

    Related Links

    W2 W3

    1099-nec, 1096 (For ezW2 latest version)

    W2C, W3c

    More Forms