Program doesn't open when opening a file or using the program icon

Sage 50 Accounting doesn’t open or crashes after double-clicking on the SAI file, the desktop program icon, or after entering a username and password.

Before you start

• Make sure you have the latest version of Windows
• Install all Windows updates if there are any
• If you have a new computer, and Sage 50 does not run on it
• Create a backup

Check the INI file

1. See Error: "Sage 50 Accounting has encountered a problem and needs to close", but is still operational.
2. Verify you can now open Sage 50.

Special characters in the company file name

1. Uninstall Sage 50.
2. If the system finds activation automatically, click the option to enter it manually instead.
3. When prompted, click Exit and don’t activate the software.
4. If Sage 50 opens without error, the issue is the file name.
5. Use a simplified company file name that contains no special characters. 

Uninstall malware with the help of an IT professional

• Run malware removal tools

Clear the TEMP files

1. Delete temp files. Refer to Microsoft website for instructions.
2. Try opening the program again.

Verify the buffer size

1. The Connection Manager must not be larger than 256. 
2. Verify you can now open Sage 50.

Event Viewer logs show application failure messages

1. Uninstall Sage 50 Accounting.
2. Open Windows Control Panel.
3. Open the list of installed programs.
4. Uninstall every instance of Microsoft Visual C++ 20XX Redistributable Package.
5. Reboot the computer.
6. Install all x86 Microsoft Visual C++ 20xx Redistributable again.
7. Install Sage 50 Accounting.
8. Perform a Windows repair or reinstall Windows.
9. Consult a computer technician for assistance with repairing Windows.

Create a new user profile

1. If you can convert the sample company, but it doesn't open.
2. If you can enter a user name and password, but the company file doesn't open.
3. If the Event viewer is showing Sage 50 as the faulting application.

Reset Windows

Backup all your personal data and do a Windows reset with the help of your IT professional.

Move the data to a new computer

1. Transfer Sage 50 Accounting to a different computer.
2. Install the latest version of Sage 50 Accounting. 
3. Try opening the company again.