The changes to Sage Software since 2007, when the prior database system was replaced with our current ‘mysql’ based database, have meant that the data is more secure, more stable, and more resistant to inadvertent intrusions, like losing power during a transaction, for instance.
The flip side to this, however, is that the software is more dependent for its operation on subsystems in Windows than before.
One common concern we deal with is the newer version of Sage 50, notably 2014.4 and 2015, not opening. It installs fine, the icon shows up on the desktop, but when the user clicks on the icon….. nothing happens. The program is uninstalled, reinstalled, and yelled at, then… nothing. The reason why this happens is usually due to this interdependence with Windows.
The analogy I like to use is that twenty years ago, if your flashlight stopped working, it could be a dead battery or a burnt out light bulb, and not much else. Now if the light app on your smartphone stops working, it could be any of dozens of reasons why. In the same way, when Sage does not start on your computer, it is commonly due to something not allowing it to operate.
In almost all the cases we’ve seen, we can resolve the problem by running an antivirus scan. While most people have an antivirus program running on their computers, we have found one or two that specifically target ‘malware’, programs designed to redirect your browser, report your visit history, or otherwise disrupt your system.
Running the free version of Malwarebytes (https://www.malwarebytes.org/) will find and remove most malware, and will usually resolve the problem. If the infection is more severe, or the malware more intrusive, then other programs can be effective, but these are best used under expert supervision, as they can mistake legitimate programs as viruses, and cause collateral damage if misused. Always consult your IT professional if unsure.
Trivia for this post: the notorious gangster, Al Capone, was well-known for his outlandish behaviour and brutal tactics to maintain power over his criminal empire.
He was quoted as saying “When I sell liquor, it’s called bootlegging. When my patrons sell it on Lakeshore Drive, it’s called hospitality.” He also exhorted people to “Vote early, and vote often.”
While he was briefly incarcerated for minor charges, he was never really brought to justice for the more heinous crimes he committed. He was eventually incarcerated, ironically, for income tax evasion. Since 1927, federal US law made it a crime to not report income from criminal activity on income taxes. It’s estimated that Capone earned about $100 million per year at his peak, and paid zero tax on it.
A collector’s item in Chicago is one of his old business cards. On it, he listed his profession as ‘used furniture dealer’.