Restoring from backup that is incompatible

I had to do a system "reset" on my laptop.  Then re-installed my (original) Sage 50 Accounting 2014 disk, with hope of restoring with my Feb. 2016 USB backup.  But am getting the error message: "This data has been updated to a new file format and is now incompatible with this version of the software."  So--I'm guessing I need to download a newer version of Sage 50.  That's what I need help with.  Lots of help.  I can run the program--but am otherwise not technically knowledgeable.  I need step by step instructions. (Sorry!)

Also, I DID NOT "renew" (or whatever it is called) the payroll/tax tables.  I entered the paycheques manually.  We are a small non-profit organization, with only 2 paid employees. One who works about 16 hours a week and another who works 3-5 hours a week.  Not financially sound to pay $750 plus, a year for payroll/tax tables.  I provide this information in case it is going to make a difference in the download.

Thanks.

  • 0
    Open the Sample File in the 2014 program.

    Under the Help menu there should be an option to check for updates.

    The original download of the software may have been 2014.1, for example, and you may have installed the 2014.2, 2014.3, or 2014.4 updates. Data that had been converted to 2014.2 will no longer open with the original download.

    If the 'old' computer hard drive still has data on it, there may be other 2014 releases in the c:\Sage directory. Or search the whole drive for:

    SA_2014*.exe

    Filenames with 'up' in the filename are updates, the others are full installations. sa_20141cp1.exe is a full installation, SA_20142CPUP1.exe is the 2014.2 update.

    The company .SAI file will have the version number that you need, in plain text, in the file. Sage could be a little better with those error messages - i.e. 'This company file was last opened with version xxxx.x, earlier versions of Sage 50 or Simply Accounting will not be able to open the file'.
  • 0 in reply to RandyW
    How do I search the whole drive?
  • 0 in reply to Joyful
    Press the Windows key and type
  • 0 in reply to RandyW
    First it wants to search the web. I clicked "My Stuff". Got message "Didn't find anything", but said there were other places to look (i.e. File Explorer, One Drive, and Settings). Clicked on File Explorer--opened Search Results in Users; My Apps---which showed the Sage Icon (?), with what looks like the Microsoft Shield in front of it, and SA_20143CPUP1, Sage Software, 2014_08-21 4:51 pm. written underneath. I did a right click, and selected "Properties" and the description is: SimplyInstallerWrapper.
    I also opened the "Sample Company", (from the disk in just recently re-installed) and clicked "Help", then "Check for Product updates". Received message: The following update is available but your customer records indicates that you are not enrolled in a service plan that provides product updates. Version: Product Update for sage 50 Accounts (Canada) (Release 2014.4) You can contact our sales/service team at 1-888-262-9610 to enroll in a service plan that will provide access to product updates."
    Again--do NOT want to pay $750 for payroll updates for 2 part-time casual employee, when I can do their payroll off the Rev. Canada PDOC site.
    Thanks for your time Randy---it is appreciated.
  • 0 in reply to Joyful

    Joyful said:
    Clicked on File Explorer--opened Search Results in Users; My Apps---which showed the Sage Icon (?), with what looks like the Microsoft Shield in front of it, and SA_20143CPUP1, Sage Software, 2014_08-21 4:51 pm

    That is most likely the exact update that you need, that would have been the second update (July?) for 2014.  Get it onto a memory stick or somehow transferred over to the new workstation, and run it, then you should be able to open the company file.

    Joyful said:
    The following update is available but your customer records indicates that you are not enrolled in a service plan that provides product updates. Version: Product Update for sage 50 Accounts (Canada) (Release 2014.4) You can contact our sales/service team at 1-888-262-9610 to enroll in a service plan that will provide access to product updates."

    .    

    The Sage 50 update check is somewhat moronic in functionality. it could be a lot better.  Few things are more irritating than having software tell you that it can only do one thing (which isn't quite what you want), and you aren't allowed to do it (because it isn't quite what you want).  Simply Accounting / Sage 50 is overly difficult to reinstall after a system problem, especially where the original hard drive is no longer usable / available. 

    It's tempting to think that the update process is intentionally designed so as to make reinstallation especially difficult because one has stopped subscribing to updates,  but... "misunderstandings and neglect create more confusion in this world than trickery and malice. At any rate, the last two are certainly much less frequent"

    It's worth burning each C:\Sage\xxxxxx   folder to its own CD, and write the Serial and Keycode on the CD. Also, as part of a Disaster Recovery plan, keep a backup of the installation files and information backed up with your company data.  Once every few months or so, take a blank laptop and try to recover your system.

  • 0 in reply to RandyW
    WOW ! It sure looked like it was doing something. I was holding my breath and waiting to scream YAAHOO! But, alas--here I am again. With more problems it seems. I cannot open my "old" file 'cause is wants to know what app to use. ?????????
    I probably screwed things up, while I was trying to "solve" my problem, and I created a "new" company with a slightly different name etc.
    Question--now that it seems to have updated, can I do a restore from my last USB backup of the "old" company? (I don't want to continue screwing things up. I just want my stuff back and get the bookkeeping up to date.)
    You're a gem, Randy. Thanks so much !!!
  • 0 in reply to Joyful
    If you can open the sample file, and the version in Help | About matches the backed up version of the 'old' company, then you should be good to go with restoring the 'old' company.
  • 0 in reply to RandyW
    YES!! I can open the sample file (after it updated to the new version) ! Not sure I understand what you are saying: "and the version in Help | About matches the backed up version of the 'old' company, then you should be good to go with restoring the 'old' company."
    I was just going to insert my USB, and when the opening screen comes on, click on "Restore from backup", cross my fingers and hope it works.
  • 0 in reply to Joyful
    No Luck. Get the same original error message re: data incompatible.
    I think I've re-written the file so many times now, I've undoubtably done some things I shouldn't have and have totally messed up the system.
  • 0 in reply to Joyful
    You may want to locate a Sage consultant in your area, or find one that provides remote support services.

    The company data is in a file with the .SAI extension. If you open the restored company file with Notepad, instead of with Sage 50, you'll be able to see the version number in plain text. Once you have that version number, please post it here, and someone will be able to direct you to a download of the correct version.