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How to force the program to Activate again

Created on  | Last modified on 

Summary

How to activate Sage 50 again, especially if there is no option to activate manually.

Resolution

  1. Ensure all users have exited Sage 50.
  2. Browse to the data path on the computer where the data is stored. If you're unsure where that is, follow How to find data path and program path.
  3. Rename the following files by adding the word "OLD" in front of the file name:
  • ClientInfo.xml
  • Entitlements.xml
  • SERIAL.DAT.BAK
  • SERIAL.DAT
  • SoftwareInstallations.xml
  • Any *.PTL files
  • Any *.LCK files
  • Note: If you are unable to find some of the files listed above, they might be hidden. For instructions on showing hidden files, follow How to show file extensions and hidden files, folders, and drives. If the files still do not appear, it is alright to skip to the next file.
  1. Open Sage and select Activate Online Now.
  2. Verify the application is activated by clicking Help, About Sage 50 Accounting. Make sure that your serial number and Customer ID are listed there.
  3. If online activation fails, manually activate follow How do I manually activate program or manually register the payroll service.
  4. Verify Sage is activated by following step 5 above. Note that you may receive the following errors even if activation was successful:
    • When opening the program, you may receive the Error: "Assertion Failed, Abort, Retry, Ignore Connection information is not available for GLOBAL." Click Ignore to continue and the program will attempt to create a new Options.dat file.
    • When opening the data folder, you may receive the error: "The company could not be opened because the file '[directory\OPTIONS.DAT' is missing or damaged. You can try restoring the backup into a new company or try restoring a different backup." Click OK to continue and the program will create a new Options.dat file.