ERROR: 'The licence file is invalid'

How to resolve this error in Sage 50 Accounts.

Before you start

Before resolving the issue, check the licence service status at: status.sage.com

If there are issues with Sage Licencing, please try again later.

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If the error continues

1. Log into Windows as administrator.  
2. Hold down the Windows Key and press E to open File Explorer.
3. In the address bar type C:\ProgramData\Sage\ then press Enter.
4. Right-click SDK Licence, click Rename then rename the folder to SDK Licence OLD.

 TIP: If you can't see the folder, click the View tab, then tick the Hidden items checkbox. 

5. Browse to C:\ProgramData\Sage\Accounts\XXXX and delete the sage.usr file. Where XXXX is your software version, for example, 2026.
6. Open Sage Accounts then re-enter your licence information.
   
   TIP: Need to check your serial number or activation key? You can do this by logging into your My Sage account. 

If the issue persists, you must exclude the following URL from your firewall and, if using a proxy connection, your proxy server:

https://licensing.services.sage.com/lic/services/LicenceService

Further information about:

• Proxy Servers
• Firewalls

NOTE: For assistance with configuring the proxy server and firewall, please refer to your local IT support.

If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall Sage 50 Accounts.