ERROR: 'The Sage 50 Accounts Data Service could not be started'
Description

When opening Sage 50 Accounts, you can see the following message:

'The Sage 50 Accounts Data Service could not be started. We recommend you restart the computer where your data is held, and then try again.'

'For help with this, please speak to your network administrator.'

[BCB:353:UKI - New DSM:ECB]
Cause
Resolution

Check the Windows System Information app

If your software hangs on the splash screen after login, it could be an issue with the Windows System Information app. 

  • In the Windows search bar enter system information, then click System Information

If this window populates, as shown in the image below - Then there's no issue with the System Information App, then follow the Locate where your data is held section.

System information window.

If the System Information window is blank or displays an error message, this indicates an issue. To resolve this:

  1. In the Windows search bar, enter cmd then right-click Command Prompt and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type net stop winmgmt, press Enter, to continue press Y if asked, then press Enter 
▼ Unable to stop winmgmt?
  1. Hold down CtrlAlt and Delete on the keyboard and select Task Manager.
  2. Click the Services tab and locate Windows Management Instrumentation, right-click and click Stop.
  1. Type winmgmt /resetrepository then press Enter.

This will report that the repository has been reset.

  1. Type net start winmgmt, press Enter, then close the Command Prompt.

This may report that the WMI Service is already started, which can be expected.

  1. Open Sage 50 Accounts and log in to the company. If the issue persists, continue to Step 6.
  2. Uninstall then reinstall Sage 50 Accounts. 

If the Windows System Information app is still blank, then contact your IT administrator for further help.


Locate where your data is held

In the Select company window, check the company's Data path:

 

Company Selection window showing the Data path.

When the path starts with C:\, the data is held on your computer, while paths starting with \\ indicate the data is on a different computer. If you're unsure, contact your IT support.

Once you know where your data is held, follow the steps below on that computer.


Restart the Sage Accounts data service

  1. If possible, restart the computer where your data is held, identified above.

    If the issue persists, or you're unable to restart this computer, continue to step 2.
  2. On the computer holding your Sage Accounts data, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
  3. Enter services.msc, click OK then locate the following service for your version:
    • Sage Accounts v31 - Sage 50 Accounts Service v31
    • Sage Accounts v30 - Sage 50 Accounts Service v30
    • Sage Accounts v29 - Sage 50 Accounts Service v29
    • Sage Accounts v28 - Sage 50 Accounts Service v28
    • Sage Accounts v27 - Sage 50 Accounts Service v27
    • Sage Accounts v26 - Sage 50 Accounts Service v26
    If the service doesn't appear, continue to the install the Sage Accounts Data Service section.
  4. Right-click the service, select Properties and in the Startup type drop-down select Automatic, then select OK.
  5. Right-click the service, select Stop, right-click the service again, then select Start.

Install the Sage Accounts Data Service

Download and install the Sage Accounts Data Service for your version.

  1. Download and install the relevant file below:
  2. To complete the installation, follow the onscreen prompts.

Check key permissions - Sage 50 Accounts v28 or above

If you're using Sage 50 Accounts v28 or above, as an additional step, check the Data Service key permissions.


If the issue persists

If this or other Sage service messages appear, you can find further help in our troubleshooting data services article.

This can involve checking Windows settings, such as firewalls and folder permissions. If you need support with this, refer to your IT support.

You can also find further help by searching in the Sage Help Centre.


 

[BCB:19:UK - Sales message :ECB]









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