Resolve Sage 50 Error Connecting to Database – Step-by-Step Guide

Updated On: April 9, 2025 12:27 pm

In today’s competitive landscape, Sage is praised as one of the best payment solutions available. However, like all good things, Sage 50 is not always easy to use. Technology has brought great comfort to our lives and has made many tasks easier. However, if an error or malfunction occurs, it can cause major disruption—especially if your work relies entirely on the tool. Today, we will discuss the Sage 50 Canadian Edition. The error code we will discuss is “Sage 50 error connecting to database”. This error occurs when attempting to open a company file or a sample company. There are several reasons this error may occur, and resolving it often requires a solid understanding of the operating system.

Reasons for the Sage 50 Error Connecting to Database

• The folder that Sage 50 connects to has an attribute of Read-Only.
• The file or folder you are attempting to connect to is missing.
• The connection manager is being blocked by the Firewall.
• The Log Service of the Windows Event has been disabled.
• There is an issue with the .NET framework.
• The Connection Manager has not begun on the server or has not been installed.
• The server has a shared location which has a permission issue.
• The UNC address is being used.
• The Anti-Virus has detected the Connection Manager as a threat and must have redirected it to the quarantine instead of the folder.

Also Read: Stop or Start the Pervasive Service in Sage 50

Resolution: Sage 50 Cannot Connect to Database

Solution 1: If the data files are stored on your server computer, do the following:

First, test with the sample company:

• For Windows XP go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Simply Accounting\201X\Samdata\
• And for Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows 8 go to C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Simply Accounting\201X\Samdata\

In case, the sample company opens fine then we recommend you to do the following steps:

• Ensure that the firewall on your server—where the data is hosted—is configured properly. (Note: Make sure the ports required for communication with the Connection Manager are added.)
• Find out whether your company data is saved on a server and what drive. It’s possible that your programs are installed on the C: drive while the data is stored on the D: drive. Check permissions of the shared folder where the data is located.
• On the root of C:\, make a new share folder.
• Now move the data in the new folder.
• Ensure that you give full permissions to all the users.
• Now try to open data from recently made new folder.
• Use the data file with the server’s IP address instead of the computer name.

Check if the sample company opens or not:

• Check the firewall or antivirus for blocked Sage 50 processes, in case there is any then give them the full access.
• For Windows XP users, in case antivirus/firewall has been adequately configured, and the sample company is still not working then the problem might be with the Microsoft .NET Framework.
• If you’re using Sage 50 on Windows Vista, 7, or 8 and encountering issues with the local sample company, the .NET components on your operating system may be corrupted or damaged.

Solution 2: If the data files are stored in C:\PROGRAM FILES\ (or C:\PROGRAM FILES (x86)\) and the sample company file opens:

Follow the given below steps:

• Change the location of the .SAJ folder and .SAI file. Move them outside the C:\Program Files\ (or C:\Program Files (x86)).
• Once done, right-click on the SAJ folder
• Then select Properties.
• Ensure that both Hidden as well as Read-only checkboxes are unchecked.
• If they are, go to Security
• Ensure that all listed Groups or Usernames have Full Control access rights.
• Select OK.
• Then open the SAJ folder.
• Find out and then remove the file pid.
• Ensure that you can now easily open the data file.

Solution 3: Check ODBC Issue

• Go to ‘Programs and Features’ or ‘Add/Remove Programs’ in the Control Panel and ensure ODBC is installed. (If not, install it from C:\Sage\Sage 50 Accounting\BIN\MySQLODBC).
• Now run the mysql-connector-odbc-commercial-.exe.

Solution 4: If your computer is new, bring it back to its default factory settings

• We recommend you to use the computer’s manufacturer restore disk and restore Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 back to its default factory settings.
• Also, you can go through the manufacturer information.

Solution 5: If the computer is not brand new, restore point

• We recommend you to use Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 restore points to restore your computer to its previous settings when your Sage 50 application was working.
• To locate restore points, go to Windows Start, select Control Panel and then go to System or Recovery.
• Locate the restore point that corresponds to when the .NET components were last updated, and follow the wizard instructions.

Also Read: Fix Sage Error Database Engine on Computer [server] is Unavailable

Final Words

Before attempting the solutions above, make sure you have an advanced understanding of your operating system. All these solutions require advanced knowledge about your system and the whereabouts of the programs. Incorrectly modifying the Windows Registry can severely affect your operating system. It can affect the other programs and make them stop functioning smoothly. It would be better to call 1800 964 3096 for a Sage professional if the system functionality is out of your league. That’s no more an error, right.

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