Every once in a while you might have to change your computer. One question I get often is how do I move my accounting data from my old computer? Here are some tips to keep in mind when transferring your Sage 50 Canada file from one computer to another.

Before moving

I have access to Sage 50 on the old computer

1. Open Sage 50 from the old computer then click on File, Backup, enter a file name then click on Browse and choose a location to backup your company file. You can select a flash drive or external drive to backup.
2. Click on Help, About Sage 50 and Support info under OK then write down your program activation information: serial number, key code and payroll if available.

I do not have access to Sage 50 on the old computer

1. You will need to have a Sage 50 database or backup that you can transfer to the new computer. This article will help search either Sage 50 database: sai file and saj folder or a recent backup: cab file. Once located you can transfer the data file (sai file + saj folder together) or backup (cab) file to a flash or external drive.
2. Look for Sage 50 Canada activation information on previous emails from Sage or call customer service at 1-888-222-8985 to have your activation information.

The move/transfer to the new computer

-          Install Sage 50 Canada

You need to make sure you are installing the same version you had on the old computer or the latest version. You can follow instructions from this article to download and install the latest version of Sage 50.

-          (Optional) If you are on network

First make sure the connection manager is installed on the server and that the location of the database is shared. Second after opening the file if needed you can setup multi-user mode if no user was setup on the original database (available for Premium and Quantum versions only).

-          Open your company database on the new computer

Insert the flash or connect the external drive on the new computer. It is recommended to transfer the backup or data file from the USB or external drive to the computer or network. If you have a backup restore from backup. If you have a data file: sai file and saj folder, copy/paste both the new location and open the sai file.

After the move

Make sure that everything is OK: the correct file has been transferred or all users have access to the file. If anything goes wrong you can contact us or comment on this blog.