Solution Properties
Solution ID:
200427112405924
Last Modified Date:
Tue Apr 01 14:58:24 UTC 2025
Taxonomy Path:
Case category//How do I...//download/install/activate/upgrade
Author:
[email protected]
Install Sage 50 Payroll on a network for the first time
Description

If you have a multi-user version of Sage 50 Payroll, you can use it on more than one computer with the data on a server.

TIP: If you're interested in upgrading to a multi-user version and want to know more, leave your details and we'll get in touch.

To set up your data on the server, you can do one of the following:

  • Install the software on a dedicated server, create your companies then install on each client company and connect to the data
  • Install on one client computer, create your companies then relocate your data to the server. You can then install on the remaining client computers and connect to the data

If you don't have a dedicated server, you need to decide which of your computers is going to act as the server. For help with this, contact your IT support.

Cause
Resolution

Download and install Sage 50 Payroll

Before you start, download and install Sage 50 Payroll.

Create your company

The next step is to create your company. Use our article to set up or connect to another company.

Share your data

Before you install on your client computers, check that your network users can access the data. If you need any help with sharing folders, consult your IT support.

Follow one of the following options: 

▼ If you installed the software on your server
  1. From within Sage 50 Payroll, click Help.
  2. Click About, then make a note of the Data Directory, not including the Payroll folder.
  3. Close Sage 50 Payroll then browse to the path you made a note of, for example, C:\ProgramData\Sage.
  4. Share the Payroll folder making sure network users have at least modify access.

 

▼ If you didn't install the software on the server

Now that you've installed the software and created your companies, you can relocate the data to your server.

  1. Create a folder on your server to hold the data, for example, Sage Payroll Data. Ensure other network users have at least modify access to that folder.
  2. Within this folder, create another folder to hold your company data, for example COMPANY_001.
    If you have more than one company, create a folder for each one.
  3. From within Sage 50 Payroll, click File.
  4. Click Relocate data then browse to the folder you created on your server.
  5. Click OK then click OK again.
  6. Click Help then click About.
  7. Under Program Details, check that the Data Directory now shows the path to the server.

 

Install on the client computer and connect to the data

  1. Follow the steps in the download and install Sage 50 Payroll section.
  2. Open Sage 50 Payroll and enter your activation details then click Next.
  3. Click Select an existing set of Windows data then click Next.
  4. Browse to the location of the COMPANY_001 folder on the server.
  5. Double-click PAYDATA then Payroll.mdb.
  6. Click Next then Finish.
  7. Log in using the manager password you set up earlier.
  8. To add an additional company, click File then New Company and repeat Steps 3 to 6.

You can then repeat these steps on any other client computers.

What's new in v31

Your year end software update includes the new legislation for the 2025/2026 tax year, along with some improvements to make it even easier to use.

To find out more, visit our what's new in Sage 50 Payroll v31 article.

Background update

We've released a background update, v31.00.236, to accommodate new NHS Pensions legislation. This update also includes background improvements, and some new reports that give you a breakdown of statutory parental payments.

To check your software is up to date, follow the download and install the Sage 50 Payroll v31.00.236 background update article.

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