You would need to install the lastest version and service pack (2013 SP 8) on the same computer as v12.  After 2013 is installed run the database converter for version 12 in the Sage BusinessWorks program group.  See KB article 18054 below

To update from version 12 to Sage BusinessWorks, version 12 data files must be converted. Sage BusinessWorks has a data conversion process. Because of Sage BusinessWorks enhancements, certain types of data cannot be converted:

Export outlines:

Data structure differences make it impossible to convert export formats

Custom worksheets, custom reports, or Crystal reports:

Sage BusinessWorks uses a different database and ODBC driver. Print all reports and worksheets to use as a reference in configuring worksheets and reports in Sage BusinessWorks.

User passwords and security settings:

If a user ID was designated as Manager in version 12, it will be converted with rights to all options. If the user ID was not designated as Manager in version 12, it will be converted with no access rights. To redefine passwords and security settings in Sage BusinessWorks, select Utilities, Users select the user and add the password. Then, select 'Security Settings' to define users access.

To convert version 12 data files to Sage BusinessWorks:

Sign into each company in version 12. Back up data files and then rebuild all modules by selecting Utilities, Rebuild [Module] Data Files.  Note: Rebuild Accounts Receivable and Inventory Control before Order Entry. If the rebuild log shows errors, print the log and research each error. Verify the referenced items on the rebuild log to ensure the transaction still shows correctly in that module.

Have all users (including yourself) exit version 12 and Sage BusinessWorks.

If version 12 programs and data are not accessible from the computer where Sage BusinessWorks is installed, copy the version 12 program directory and its sub folders to the Sage BusinessWorks computer.

Example: If version 12 programs and data reside in a \BW\ folder, copy the \BW\ folder and it contents to the C: drive of the computer where Sage BusinessWorks is installed.

If Sage BusinessWorks is installed on a network, verify that the shared drive or folder where Sage BusinessWorks programs and data reside has been shared with permissions of 'Full Control'.

If Sage BusinessWorks is installed on a network, for faster processing it is recommended the conversion be run directly at the server and not at a workstation across the network. A second option is to convert the data on a stand-alone computer where you have installed a single user installation of Sage BusinessWorks. Convert the data and then back up and restore the data into Sage BusinessWorks at the server.

The conversion of each company database may take several hours, depending on the size of the version 12 company database. Disable antivirus software and scheduled backups so they do not interrupt the conversion.

To start the conversion, select from Windows Start, Programs, Sage BusinessWorks, Database Converter for Version 12.

Define the program path and data path for the version 12 directories and select Next. (If unknown, exit the Database Converter, sign into version 12 and from the Main Menu, select Help / About. The last two lines list the program path and data path.

Select each company to convert and click Next.

Define how the chart of account numbers should be expanded and select Next.

Click Start to begin the conversion.

After the company database conversion completes, customized forms from version 12 can be converted by selecting Yes to the message, Would you like to convert any of your Custom Forms now? Select Next to continue. To convert forms at a later date, search for the FormsConvert.exe file located in the Sage BusinessWorks, Convert directory to execute it.

When the conversion has completed, view the convert log. If errors are listed, see the article in the Related Resources section on "How to resolve data conversion exceptions"

You would need to install the lastest version and service pack (2013 SP 8) on the same computer as v12.  After 2013 is installed run the database converter for version 12 in the Sage BusinessWorks program group.  See KB article 18054 below

To update from version 12 to Sage BusinessWorks, version 12 data files must be converted. Sage BusinessWorks has a data conversion process. Because of Sage BusinessWorks enhancements, certain types of data cannot be converted:

Export outlines:

Data structure differences make it impossible to convert export formats

Custom worksheets, custom reports, or Crystal reports:

Sage BusinessWorks uses a different database and ODBC driver. Print all reports and worksheets to use as a reference in configuring worksheets and reports in Sage BusinessWorks.

User passwords and security settings:

If a user ID was designated as Manager in version 12, it will be converted with rights to all options. If the user ID was not designated as Manager in version 12, it will be converted with no access rights. To redefine passwords and security settings in Sage BusinessWorks, select Utilities, Users select the user and add the password. Then, select 'Security Settings' to define users access.

To convert version 12 data files to Sage BusinessWorks:

Sign into each company in version 12. Back up data files and then rebuild all modules by selecting Utilities, Rebuild [Module] Data Files.  Note: Rebuild Accounts Receivable and Inventory Control before Order Entry. If the rebuild log shows errors, print the log and research each error. Verify the referenced items on the rebuild log to ensure the transaction still shows correctly in that module.

Have all users (including yourself) exit version 12 and Sage BusinessWorks.

If version 12 programs and data are not accessible from the computer where Sage BusinessWorks is installed, copy the version 12 program directory and its sub folders to the Sage BusinessWorks computer.

Example: If version 12 programs and data reside in a \BW\ folder, copy the \BW\ folder and it contents to the C: drive of the computer where Sage BusinessWorks is installed.

If Sage BusinessWorks is installed on a network, verify that the shared drive or folder where Sage BusinessWorks programs and data reside has been shared with permissions of 'Full Control'.

If Sage BusinessWorks is installed on a network, for faster processing it is recommended the conversion be run directly at the server and not at a workstation across the network. A second option is to convert the data on a stand-alone computer where you have installed a single user installation of Sage BusinessWorks. Convert the data and then back up and restore the data into Sage BusinessWorks at the server.

The conversion of each company database may take several hours, depending on the size of the version 12 company database. Disable antivirus software and scheduled backups so they do not interrupt the conversion.

To start the conversion, select from Windows Start, Programs, Sage BusinessWorks, Database Converter for Version 12.

Define the program path and data path for the version 12 directories and select Next. (If unknown, exit the Database Converter, sign into version 12 and from the Main Menu, select Help / About. The last two lines list the program path and data path.

Select each company to convert and click Next.

Define how the chart of account numbers should be expanded and select Next.

Click Start to begin the conversion.

After the company database conversion completes, customized forms from version 12 can be converted by selecting Yes to the message, Would you like to convert any of your Custom Forms now? Select Next to continue. To convert forms at a later date, search for the FormsConvert.exe file located in the Sage BusinessWorks, Convert directory to execute it.

When the conversion has completed, view the convert log. If errors are listed, see the article in the Related Resources section on "How to resolve data conversion exceptions"