NOTE: This product was retired from sale and support as of 30 September 2021. Please refer to our communication for more information. If you have not already done so, please contact your Sage Business Partner to review alternative solutions. If you do not have a Sage Business Partner who supported you with this solution and would like to hear about available alternatives, please contact 0191 479 5988.

We strongly recommend that all users of Sage 50 Manufacturing have installed the SQL Backward Compatibility Components to ensure full functionality is possible. It also reduces the likeliness of errors occurring which may prevent access to the software. This article explains how to download and install the components.

Attempting to take a backup without the SQL Backward Compatibility Components installed on the client machine may give the following error: 'The SQL Server is not available on the network. Please consult your network administrator.' 

NOTE: As this software is not owned by Sage, this article is written as a goodwill gesture only. If you experience any problems in completing the installation, please refer to the Microsoft website or your IT support team.

1. Visit the Microsoft website to download the required components.
   
   

   NOTE: This link will open in a separate window so you can continue to follow the steps in this article whilst completing the download.

2. Expand the Install Instructions section.
3. Scroll down the page until you arrive at the section entitled 'Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Backward Compatibility Components'.
4. There are three different downloads available. The download you require will depend on the type of PC you are using:
   • X86 Package (SQLServer2005_BC.msi) - For 32-bit PCs
   • X64 Package (SQLServer2005_BC_x64.msi) - For 64-bit PCs
   • IA64 Package (SQLServer2005_BC_ia64.msi) - For 64-bit Itanium PCs.
5. Select the relevant filename. Depending on your default browser, you'll be prompted to either Save or Run the file. Choose Run.
6. From the Setup Wizard, select Next.
7. You must accept the terms in the licence agreement to continue. Select the radio button > Next.
8. Enter a suitable Name and Company > Next.
9. Leave the feature selections unchanged > Next.
10. Select Install.
11. Once the installation has completed, select Finish.

You can then begin using Sage 50 Manufacturing. If you have not installed the software and require assistance, read more.