Date format problems

How to resolve date format problems, which can occur when using Sage 50 Accounts or Sage 50 Payroll.

When you enter dates in your software, the following issues sometimes occur:

• Error: 'Incompatible date settings'
• Error: 'Invalid date or incorrect date format, use DD/MM/YY, DDMMYY, DD/MM/YYYY or DDMMYYYY format'
• The year keeps reverting to 2000

An incorrect date format setting on your computer causes this issue.

Windows 11

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. In the search bar, type Control Panel and select it from the search results.
3. In the Control Panel, select Region.
4. On the Formats tab, click Additional settings.
5. Go to the Date tab.
6. From the Short date drop-down, select dd/MM/yyyy.
7. Click Apply, then OK.
8. Close the Control Panel and restart your computer.

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Windows 10

Change the regional options in the Control Panel

 NOTE: If the Incompatible date settings message appears, click Change settings and start from step 2. 

1. Press the Windows key and X on your keyboard.
2. Click Settings, then click Time & Language.
3. Click Region on the left.
4. From the Regional format drop-down list, choose a different country. For example, English (Zimbabwe).
5. Restart the computer, then repeat steps 1-3.
6. From the Regional format drop-down list, choose English (United Kingdom).
7. Ensure the Short date format is DD/MM/YYYY.
8. Close Settings and restart the computer.

If the problem persists, follow the steps in the next section.

Create a new international key in the Windows registry

 CAUTION: Editing the Windows registry can cause serious system issues requiring a reinstall of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Sage can't guarantee fixes for problems resulting from using the Registry Editor. If unsure, contact your IT support. 

1. Press the Windows key and R on your keyboard.
2. Type regedit then select OK.
3. In the left-hand pane, browse to and expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel.
   
   
4. Right-click the International folder and select Rename. If there isn't an International folder, proceed to step 6.
5. Rename this to InternationalOLD.
6. Right-click the Control Panel folder and select New then Key.
7. The New Key #1 appears, rename this to International.
8. Close the Registry Editor, then restart the computer.
9. Follow the steps in the Change the regional options in the Control Panel section again.