Solution Properties
Solution ID:
200427112218139
Last Modified Date:
Wed May 06 12:42:18 UTC 2026
Taxonomy Path:
Case category//How do I...//download/install/activate/upgrade
Author:
[email protected]
Install Sage 50 Payroll on a terminal server
Description

It's possible to install and use Sage 50 Payroll in a terminal server environment.

However, we don't test our software in this environment. That means this environment can cause potential issues and feature limitations.

All other terms of the software licence agreement still apply, for example:

  • Pay the correct licence fee for the number of users who are able to access the software
  • You're not permitted to allow anyone, other than your users, to have remote access to the software. For example, by providing the software as a hosted service, or application service provider (ASP) service
Cause
Resolution

Before you start

As we don't test Sage 50 Payroll in a terminal server environment, there are important considerations and limitations you need to be aware of.

Use the options below to find out more.

▼ Considerations when using a terminal server

There are certain considerations when using a terminal server:

  • To use Sage 50 Payroll on a terminal server, remote users must be in the server's 'Remote Desktop Users' group. This group needs Modify access to the product's settings folder and all subfolders
    • The default settings folder is C:\ProgramData\Sage\Payroll
    • If you don't store your Payroll data in the default location, remote users also need Modify access to the data folder and all subfolders
  • To integrate Sage software, Microsoft Office, and e-banking modules, install them on the same terminal server as Sage 50 Payroll
  • To use features, such as Weblinks, auto-dial, and email services, remote users need to have access to such services on the terminal server. For example, they can't use locally installed email software and Internet browsers
▼ Technical support limitations

If you install the software in this environment, we're unable to support with the following:

  • Speed or performance issues with Sage 50 Payroll
    • Where the Sage program stops responding or crashes, we use Windows' built-in 'Process Monitor' to investigate
    • Check the process Monitor for entries associated with SBDDesktop.exe, as this is the Sage operating process
  • The setup and configuration of remote access and network environment
  • Hardware configuration and setup
  • The setup, configuration, and use of third-party software
  • Remote access or wide area network connectivity
  • Printing issues that are specific to a remote access or wide area network environment
  • Creation and maintenance of operating system user accounts and associated permissions. For example, software issues that don't affect Admin users are more likely to be due to user permissions

NOTE:

Sage Support will assist you where we can. However, if we can't assist you, we advise you to install the software in a supported environment.

CAUTION:

Ensure you've read and understand the considerations and limitations before you continue.

Software installation

Follow each section below to install your software.

System requirements

Before you install Sage 50 Payroll, check that your terminal server meets the system requirements.

Download and install

When you're ready to install, follow the steps below.

  1. Download the latest installer using the button below:
    • [BCB:324:UKI 50 Payroll current download link:ECB]
  2. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
  3. Click Program, then Install Application or Remote Desktop Server.
  4. Use the wizard that opens to select the Sage 50 Payroll installer you downloaded above.
  5. Complete the installation, then select Finish when the option is available.

Repeat steps 1 to 4 for each user who accesses Sage 50 Payroll.

Activate and create your company

  1. Double-click the Sage 50 Payroll option on your Windows desktop.
  2. Enter your serial number and activation key, then select Next.
  3. Enter your Sage account number, then select Next.
  4. Click Create a new set of data files, then click Next.
  5. Enter your company details, then click Next.
  6. Check your details are correct, then click Finish.
  7. To log on, click OK, then OK.

Modify file locking

To ensure your software works correctly for all terminal server users, edit the Payroll.ini file.

Only make this Payroll.ini entry when running Sage 50 Payroll in a terminal server environment.

  1. Browse to C:\Windows\.
  2. Right-click Payroll.ini.
  3. Select Open with, then select Notepad.
  4. Create a new line beneath [Payroll4].
  5. Enter the following text: IgnoreMachineNameWhenLocking=1.
  6. Select File then Save.
  7. Select File, then Exit.

Any remote users that have already accessed the software will have Payroll.ini files within their profile on the server.

Browse to these files one at a time, and follow Steps 2-7 above on each one.

The location of a remote user's file is C:\Users\<username>\Appdata\Local\VirtualStore\Payroll.ini.

[BCB:451:Sales - new Sage HR:ECB]
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