When backing up Sage 50 Accounts, the following message may appear:

'The Backup has been unsuccessful. Backup job terminated unexpectedly.'

This message can indicate an issue with the Sage Accounts Data Service or an issue in Sage Accounts.  

NOTE: If you see the different error 'The Backup has been unsuccessful. Check data job terminated unexpectedly.', follow the steps in the other guide.

Check you're using the latest version

Ensure you install the latest updates for the version of the software you're using. 

Install these updates on every computer with an installation of Sage 50 Accounts.

If your Sage Accounts data is on a server without an installation of the software, you should install the update there as well. You may need to refer to your local IT support for help with this

If the issue persists, follow the steps below.

Restart the data service

1. On the computer holding your Sage Accounts data, press the Windows key + R.
2. Enter services.msc, click OK then in the list of services look for the services for your version:

   v30	Sage 50 Accounts Service v30 Sage 50 Accounts Control v30
   v29	Sage 50 Accounts Service v29 Sage 50 Accounts Control v29
   v28	Sage 50 Accounts Service v28 Sage 50 Accounts Control v28
   v27	Sage 50 Accounts Service v27 Sage 50 Accounts Control v27
   v26	Sage 50 Accounts Service v26 Sage 50 Accounts Control v26

3. If either service shows Disabled in the Startup Type column, right-click the service, click Properties, in the Startup type drop-down click Automatic, then click OK.
4. For each service, right-click the service, click Stop, right-click the service again, then click Start.

Temporarily turn off concurrent backups

 CAUTION: Don't use these steps as a permanent solution.

1. Click Settings, then click Company Preferences and click Parameters.
2. Clear the Enable Check Data and Backup with users logged in check box.
3. Click OK.

 NOTE: If the 'Backup job terminated unexpectedly' error message no longer appears with concurrent back ups switched off, this means there's either a permissions issue for the Windows temp folder on your computer where the data is located, or the temp folder is full. To avoid having to switch off concurrent backups, you should contact your IT support to check for any size limitations on the temp folders you have and also to check Windows permissions for the temp folders. You can also clear the temp folder.