I mis-remembered, that was 15.1, a 220MB patch.

Did you ever figure this out?  It looks like a complete reinstall for my server and all my workstations?  This is ridiculous.

Complete reinstall on server and 105 workstations, big PITA, and weird slowdown with My Assistant client included for free!

The new feature that updating the server updates the content of the WinInst installation at least worked, but that meant no scripting to distribute the patch at all.

40% of reinstalls failed for various reason, so a full install was required. I received no reports of the .DSK desktop configuration files changing, though, so there is that. 

Also, with many installs, after the installation is complete and the workstation reboots, the user account used for the upgrade MUST login again to let the installer scripts complete, or the start menu will be empty for the normal user of the workstation. I use different administrative accounts for my helpdesk / workstation administration for delegation and accountability, and if a normal user logged back in first, BLAMMO! Wiped out the install. 

Very weird update, but we can close the dang year so good enough.

Does anyone know - do you HAVE to install 17.1.8? We are currently on 17.1.6 and would rather not have to go through the hassle of installing if I don't have to. Is there anything critical between versions that would require an install before year-end processing?

Late to answer, sorry, but we specifically updated to 17.1.8 to close the year. That's the supported version and we try to do things by the numbers. We've learned not to give Support any wiggle room about things like that. 

Since people seem to successfully close the year with just updated tax tables, you might be able to get away with it, but.......

As far as I know, the update has nothing to do with closing the year. You have to run it before doing W2s though. 

So these are the changes in 17.1.8 -

What's new in version 17.1.8 (Rev 8)

• Version 17.1.8 (Rev 8) is the year-end product update for Sage 300 CRE. Install this version to ensure government reporting compliance.
• In US Payroll, ACA employee and dependent compliance details are now completely copied to the next year.

But if you don't need ACA reporting it appears that the W2's run just fine.  We have already done this with W2's and ACA reporting was done by clients insurance company.  The big deal is without the update, if you are reporting ACA via Aatrix the totals don't roll correctly for ACA reporting should you need it. 

Just my 2 cents. I wish that Sage would re-institute YE updates as a small patch.  when you have 100's of 1,000's of customers (that request assistance) it is impossible to get all upgraded  before the end of January.  

So what is the answer to the question first asked? Is the 17.1.8 a full upgrade install or is there a patch somewhere to update from previous 17.x versions?

Full install on the server.  Just run the download on the server and it will remove the old version and install the new one.  You run the client install (like adding Sage to a new computer) on the workstations.  It says reinstall but it's very quick so it's actually patching in the background.

Every year I have to make sure the ACA tab in the master file is marked not working for any employee that didn't have wages in the year for the number of the ACA forms to match the number of W2's. So if anyone is hired in January the will upload for an ACA form. They should be triggered on YTD prior gross for the upload to Aatrix.

I agree completely, this is a mess doing a major upgrade at YE!!!!!!

Hi Brian,

We do have some instructions in our online knowledgebase that may help automate the installation process on your workstations:

https://support.na.sage.com/selfservice/viewdocument.do?noCount=true&externalId=83952

Thanks!