What to do about Sage 50 "stopped working messages"

3 minute read time.

A team of us have been keeping close tabs on scenarios where users install Sage 50 2018.0 and function fine until they need to update Windows and it fails. Typically we see the errors related to KBs 18047 and or 61504 stating: "Sage 50 has stopped working" and or "impossible to open file… error connecting to the database."

 

Why do missing Windows updates block Sage 50 2018.0?

The update to .NET framework 4.6.2 is required by Sage 50 2018.0, without this update, the software won't launch itself. Fresh installations of Windows 10 incorporate this update well; however, it appears unstable with Windows 7 SP1.

 

How do we know when users need to update their OS?

The majority of the time we find "kernelbase.dll" error in the EventViewer located under Control Panel > Administrative Tools. The majority of these cases though rare, are resolved by either creating a new Windows User profile and or upgrading to Windows 10. There are a lot of other steps to do before creating new user profiles. See our blog Slow Performance or Crashing of Sage 50 for details on how to perform a clean re-install of Sage 50 or create new Windows user profiles. Have a service plan? Contact our support team at 1-888-522-2722 for additional help.

 

How to prevent Operating System caused issues

This article by The New York Times offers some on point suggestions about why updates appear to cause program bugs:

  • Start Fresh: "Tech companies make it simple to upgrade to a new operating system by pressing an “update” button, which seamlessly migrates all your apps and data over. While that’s convenient, it isn’t the best way to ensure that things will continue running smoothly. A better practice is backing up all your data and purging everything from the device before installing the new operating system. This “clean install” works more reliably because the engineers developing operating systems were able to test this condition more easily…"

  • Remove the ‘Cruft’: "…For computers, there are some apps for cleaning up your system. Mac users can download a free app called Onyx, and Windows users can run a cleanup utility included in the system."
  • Be Mindful of Your Storage: "[Devices] will generally run faster if more of its storage is available. That’s partly because your device needs space to move data around and download software updates… Smartphones and newer laptops rely on flash storage, which stores data in the cells of semiconductor chips. When data is stored on a flash drive, it is scattered across the drive. So when you are pulling data to open an app or a document, you are retrieving it from multiple parts of the drive. If lots of space is occupied, the data gets crowded and the device may feel sluggish… a good rule of thumb is to buy more storage than you think you will use."
  • Invest in Your Infrastructure: Sage 50 is an app that relies on an internet connection. "To get a nice boost, invest in a modern Wi-Fi system. [we] recommend products like Google WiFi and Eero, which are so-called mesh networking systems that help you seamlessly set up multiple Wi-Fi stations to get a strong signal throughout the home." 

  • Consider Upgrading: "At the end of the day, there are many reasons your device may feel slow. New operating systems carry more powerful features that were designed to work better on new devices. In addition, developers of third-party apps typically prioritize making software for newer handsets, and sometimes they even discontinue support for old gadgets. If there are important tasks that your older device cannot do proficiently, consider an upgrade."

 

Getting your hands on Windows 10

Should you find yourself needing to procure a free copy of Windows 10. Try the Assistive Technology offer available at:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade

*Expires December 31, 2017

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