When you enter dates in your software, the following issues sometimes occur:

• Error message 'Incompatible date settings'
• Error message 'Invalid date or incorrect date format, use DD/MM/YY, DDMMYY, DD/MM/YYYY or DDMMYYYY format'
• The year keeps reverting to 2000

An incorrect date format setting on your computer causes this issue.

Windows 11

1. Click the Start menu (Windows icon) or press the Windows key.
2. Type Control Panel and select it from the search results.
3. Select Clock and Region.
4. Select Region.
5. In the Region window, go to the Formats tab.
6. Click Additional settings.
7. In the Customize Format window, select the Date tab.
8. Set the date format as DD/MM/YYYY.
9. Close Settings and restart your computer.

Windows 10

Step 1 - Change the regional options in the Control Panel

If the Incompatible date settings message appears, click Change settings and start from step 2.

1. Press the Windows key and X on your keyboard.
2. Click Settings, then click Time & Language.
3. Click Region on the left.
4. From the Regional format drop-down list, choose a different country, for example, English (Zimbabwe).
5. Restart the computer.
6. Repeat steps 1-3.
7. From the Regional format drop-down list, choose English (United Kingdom).
8. Ensure the Short date format is DD/MM/YYYY.
9. Close Settings and restart the computer.

If the problem persists, try Step 2.

Step 2 - Create a new international key in the registry

This involves changing the Microsoft Windows registry. Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that require a reinstall of the Microsoft Windows operating system to correct them.

Sage can’t guarantee a resolution to any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor. If you're in any doubt, don't continue with these steps and contact your IT support.

1. Windows key + R > type regedit > OK.
2. In the left-hand pane, browse to and expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel.
   
   
3. Right-click the International folder and select Rename. If there isn't an International folder, proceed to Step 5.
4. Rename this to InternationalOLD.
5. Right-click Control Panel > New > Key.
6. The New Key #1 appears, rename this to International.
7. Close the Registry Editor, restart the PC.
8. Follow the steps in theStep 1 - Change the regional options in the Control Panel section again.