Sage 50 Company Missing, Not Found and Disappeared Issue

One of the most common problems people experience with Sage 50 is the Sage 50 company missing, not found error. This error occurs when, for some reason, your company is not found in their database of companies.

If you have a connection to an accounting or payroll program that sends data to Sage then this error might occasionally pop up. If you are stuck with this error and finding the resolution to fix it then you don’t need to worry. In this article, you will get a complete guide on the Sage 50 company missing, along with its resolutions to fix it.

Sage 50 cannot find a company after installing
Sage 50 cannot find a company after upgrading a workstation
Sage 50 cannot find company after upgrading from XP to Windows 7
Sage 50 cannot find a company after switching to multiple user setup from a single user.

Company File in Sage 50

A company file in Sage 50 can be opened in two different ways through the Company module or the Liabilities and Equity module. Each of these sections contains information about the company’s officers, shareholders, locations, and more. The company module is the default option when opening a new project. You can also open a company file through the Liabilities and Equity module if you want to view the same information differently.
A company in Sage 50 is a collection of records that define the legal entity that owns and operates a business. The main sections of a company file in Sage 50 are:
● Officers
● Shareholders
● Locations,
● Transactions.

Why I Can’t See My Company in the List of Companies

You may have noticed that the company data file is missing/cannot find my company in the account or not showing in the existing company window. This could mean that the Sage company has gone out of business, or that a user accidentally deleted the file. File loss can be caused by a variety of reasons, but the most common culprit is human error. If you’re the owner of a Sage company file, it’s important to keep track of which files you’ve created and saved as part of your business. If you ever lose a file, make sure to back it up before starting from scratch.

Here is the list of the Causes behind Sage 50 Company’s Missing

  • In the new edition, the company has never been opened.
  • On a workstation, the data path in the configuration (INI) file is incorrect.
  • The data path is kept in a different location than the firm.
  • Company files are locked, and/or the company is in single-user mode.
  • Throughout the company, a backup was restored.
  • You haven’t started this company with this version of the program.
  • Disconnected map drive.
  • Expendable file clean-up.

Tips to Resolve Sage 50 Company Missing, Not Found, and Disappeared Issues

If you need to recover a Sage 50 company missing or cannot find a company, there are several ways to do so. Here are all the possible resolutions that you can pick to fix do not see Sage 50 company on the list of companies to open.

Resolution 1: In the new edition, the company has never been opened

If the company has never been opened in the new version, then you need to follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, you need to go to the File.
  • Once on the file option, you need to select Open Company.

Or

  • If you’re on the main screen,
  • First, you need to select Open an Existing Company.
  • Once you are done, you need to go to the Browse option. 
  • After that, you need to choose a company from the list.
  • Now to begin the Conversion wizard, select OK.
  • Then you need to close and reopen the Sage 50 software. 
  • Finally, after closing and reopening Sage 50, double-check that your company is on the list.

Resolution 2: On a workstation, the data path in the configuration (INI) file is incorrect

If the data path in the configuration (INI) file is incorrect, follow the steps.

  • First, going to the WINDOWS KEY + E is the shortcut.
  • Then locate the directory in File Explorer.
  • Once on the file explorer, go to the INI (Initialization File).
  • Now you need to open the configuration file for your Sage 50 US Edition version.
  • After that scroll down to the bottom of the and search for the line beginning with DATAPATH= to find the data path.
  • The following step is to navigate to the configuration (INI) file’s location.
    • Now open the PeachtreeXXX.ini file that corresponds to your version of the application.
    • After that find DATAPATH= in the third paragraph’s last line.
    • Then the =, changes the content to reflect the right data path.
    • The following step is to choose File, then Save.
    • The INI file should now be closed.
  • After that restart Sage 50.
  • Then choose File, then Open Company from the drop-down menu.
  • Finally, check to see if your company file appears on the list.

Resolution 3: The data path is kept in a different location than the firm

If the data path is kept in a different location than the firm, then you need to follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, search for company.dat in any folder where your data may exist to find your company’s data folder.
  • Ensure that your firm is on the right data path.
  • After that, you need to restart Sage 50.
  • Once done, go to the Select File option.
  • Then Open Company from the drop-down menu.
  • After that, you need to check to see if your company appears on the list.
Note: Unless it was altered manually after it was established, each duplicate of your company's data folder will normally be labeled with an acronym of your company's name.

Resolution 4: Company files are locked, and/or the company is in single-user mode

If the company files are locked, and/or the company is in single-user mode, then you need to follow the steps that are mentioned below.

  • First press the Windows + R keys on the server and workstations.
  • After that start by typing Services.msc into the command prompt.
  • Once done, press the OK button.
  • Now select Stop from the context menu of Sage 50 SmartPosting year.
  • The following step is to select Stop from the context menu of the Actian PSQL Workgroup Engine
  • Now go to the folder for the specific business.
  • Delete any files that are of the following types:
    • CAX
    • PTL
    • MKD
    • CAC
    • LCK
  • Delete the following files:
    • Details.ini
    • COSESS.DAT
    • PVSW~.LOC
  • Once done, action should be started on the server first, then on the workstations.
  • Then SmartPosting should be started on the server first, and then on the workstations.
  • The following step is that Sage 50 should be reopened.
  • After you open Sage 50 again, choose Browse.
  • Finally, check to see if the company file is now open.

Resolution 5: Throughout the company, a backup was restored

If throughout a company, a backup was restored, then you can follow the steps that are mentioned below to restore the backup and check your required company file.

  • First, locate the company’s most recent backup.
  • Restore the most recent backup, if necessary, follow these steps:
    • First, select File, then Restore in Sage 50.
    • Then click Browse and navigate to the location of your backup file (.PTB file).
    • After that click the Open button.
    • Next should be selected.
    • Now choose the method of restoration you want to use:
      • Overwrite current company data or a firm that already exists
      • A New Company (choose this option if you want to restore the backup to a new folder) Or 
      • Create a New Company (use this option if you want to restore the backup to a new folder). Your existing data will not be overwritten if you do so.
    • Next should be selected.
    • Then choose the desired restore choices (in most situations, all).
      • Company Data
      • Customized Forms
      • Web Transactions
      • Intelligence Reporting Reports or Business Intelligence Reports
    • Next should be selected.
    • After you’ve double-checked the restore selections, click Finish.
    • When the restoration is finished, the company will reopen.
  • Finally, check to see if your company appears on the list.
Note: If you're not sure where a Sage 50 backup of your data file is, look for *.ptb in your computer's or network's directory. This will locate any Sage 50 backups in the specified directory.

Resolution 6: You haven’t started this company with this version of the program

If you haven’t started this company with this version of the program, then follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, make your way to the server computer.
  • Sage 50 should now be open.
  • Then allow the program to begin working.
  • After that confirm that the company will be available on the server.
  • The following step is to close the company.
  • Then proceed to your workstation.
  • Finally, confirm the company’s opening date.

Resolution 7: Disconnected map drive

If the mapped drive is disconnected follow the steps that are mentioned below:

  • First, on a workstation, map or remap a mapped disc to a data destination.
  • Then press the Windows logo key + E to open File Explorer from the taskbar or the Start menu.
  • Now from the left pane, choose This PC.
  • After that select a drive letter from the Drive list.
  • Once done, type the path of the folder or computer in the Folder box, or select Browse to find the folder or computer.
  • Finally, click on the finish option.

Resolution 8: Expendable file clean-up

To do the Expendable file clean-up, follow the steps.

  • First, go to the clean data folder you made before.
  • After that delete the files listed below:
    • ADVDATA.DAT
    • ALARM.DAT
    • ATTCHMNT.DAT (attachments will be lost)
    • AUDITTR.DAT
    • COSESS.DAT
    • EVENTLOG.DAT
    • Evntcls.dat
    • Jrnlcls.dat
    • RPTDATA.DAT (custom reports will be lost)
    • UserPref.DAT
    • ATTACHMENTS folder (attachments will be lost)
    • All temporary files (search for temp) ● All “old” files (search for old and *.old)
    • All .MKD files (search for *.MKD)
    • All .PTR files (search for *.PTR)
    • All .RPT files (search for *.RPT)
  • Then, go to the new company folder and open it.
  • Now to create new empty files, answer yes to all prompts.
  • Finally, make sure you’re not getting any more errors and you can get the company file.

Tips to Locate Missing Company Data Files in Sage 50

If you are looking for your Sage 50 company missing file, but don’t see it on your computer or in the file-sharing area, there is a chance that it may have been deleted.

Steps to How I Find My Company File into Sage 50 Accounting Software

Methods1: I can access the file in Sage 50, but I need to know its location

  • To view the file name and location, you have to choose File, then you have to select Properties.
  • To begin, you have to click the blue hyperlink.
  • In a Windows Explorer window, you will be able to see the direct file location.

Method 2: My computer has never been changed, and I just opened my data file, but I can’t find its location

  • Select the inverted triangle in the filename box in the Open Company window.
  • A list of the locations the file has been accessed previously is now displayed below the filename box.
  • Click Open after selecting the required file.

Method 3: Use the Windows search tool

Windows File Explorer

  • To access Windows Explorer, you have to hold down the Windows key while pressing the E key on your keyboard.
  • Change the folder and search settings by choosing View, and Options.
  • Then you have to choose the Search tab.
  • Check the box next to Include compressed files (ZIP, CAB…).
  • Now you have to choose OK.
  • Type *.sai into the search text field in the upper right corner of the Explorer window and press the Enter key.
    • Note: Also, you may look up *.cab (backup files)
  • The results that populate include all of the Sage 50 files with the .sai extension.
  • Search through the list until you find the files for your business. The search results will also include a list of the file’s path on the computer.

Method 4: Using the command prompt

  • To open the Run window, you have to press the Windows Key + R.
  • To open the command prompt, you have to type cmd and then press OK.
  • Enter dir /s /p C:*.sai in the command prompt and hit Enter.

Method 5: Alternate method to search the company data file

Section 1: 

  • Your PC contains a *.ini file that can be used to find the Sage 50 files for the previous five opened companies.
  • In Windows 7 and later, you can search for the *.ini file by entering the command prompt:
    • Enter “%userprofile%AppDataLocalSimply Accounting” in the Start menu‘s Search Programs and Files.

Method 2:

  • The default path with the automated Sage 50 backups, if the business is set up to create automatic backups, is:
    1. C:\Users\Public\Documents\Sage Software\Simply Accounting\backups

Method 3:

  • Search for the ibdata1 file using Windows.
  • In the *.SAJ folder, the file ibdata1 is a key file.
    • This ibdata1 is within a backup file if the search result type displays a ZIP or CAB file.
    • The path/location would show where the SAJ folder is if the result is of the file type.
    • Then you have to find the place that has been updated most recently.

Method 4:

  • The default Windows search options may not always scan your entire PC. To find SAI or SDB inside CAB files, you have to tick the very last checkbox below (when the CAB files are not in an indexed location). You can get to this screen by following the below steps:
    • Begin by opening the Windows Explorer
    • Then choose Tools, Folder Options, Search, and Include compressed files (ZIP, CAB…).

Method 5:

  • Open the Sage 50 file from which the backup was made if you need to restore a recent backup but forgot its location.
    • Then you have to choose the File, then Backup
    • The last backup was saved in this area, therefore take note of the File Name and Location.
    • Now you have to select Cancel
    • To complete the restoration, you have to complete the Restoring from a backup.
  • Also, you can find the automatic backups that were created previously.

How to Restore Missing Companies in the Sage 50 Payroll Company Drop-down List

There might be firms set up in your Accounts program that are not listed in the Company drop-down menu in Nominal Settings when you browse the company file.

Step 1. Open the company file

  • You have to browse the Company file from the Nominal Settings window.
  • Then you have to right-click the Company file, then you have to click Open with.
  • Now you have to click Notepad and then you have to click OK.

Step 2. Delete blank spaces

  • You should delete any blank spaces at the end of each data path.
  • In case it appears, then you can delete your account data.

Step 3. Check whether each data path is valid or not

You have to check that each data path in the company file is valid. You have to follow the steps for each data path.

  • You have to highlight the data path, then you have to right-click.
  • Then you have to click Copy, then you have to click on the Windows key + E.
  • In the search box, you have to right-click and then you have to click Paste.

The relevant folder appears if the path is valid and if an error message appears then the path is invalid.

Step 4. Set the data path to the full UNC path

Set any data paths in the company file that lead to information that is stored on a mapped device to the entire UNC path instead. The format of a UNC path is \\computername\foldername.

Find the full UNC path

  • You have to press the Window Key + R on your keyboard.
  • Then you have to type CMD into the Run box and then you have to click OK.
  • Now you have to type net use in the Command Prompt window and then you have to press Enter.
  • You have to make a note of the full UNC path that is visible in the remote column.

Once you locate the UNC path

  • You have to enter the path into the company file and after the last line, you have to press Enter.
  • Then you have to click File and then you have to click Save.
  • After saving, click on the file and click on Exit.

Step 5. Refresh the path to the company file

  • You have to click on Company in Sage 50 Payroll.
  • Then you have to click Nominal Settings, then you have to click Browse.
  • Now you have to go to the company file, then you have to double-click Company.
  • After that, you have to click the Company Finder button, then you have to confirm all relevant companies appear.
  • Now you have to select the company that is required and then you have to click OK.

Now that you have a complete guide on Sage 50 company missing, you can easily resolve this. However, if you are still stuck or have any queries then you can reach out to the Sage 50 customer consultant helpdesk team for quick and easy assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Incorrect permissions if the company file is locked can cause Sage 50 Company Missing?

Yes, Incorrect permissions, if the company file is locked, can cause Sage 50 Company Missing. You must take the following precautionary measures.

● Check to see if the corporate folder is locked.
● See that the inherited properties of the parent shared folder are present in the folder.
● You should be able to see and open the business at this point.

How can you back up your company file, to protect your company from getting Sage 50 Company Missing?

There are a few things you can do to try and recover the Sage 50 company missing from your backup.

● First, ensure you have a copy of the company file stored elsewhere.
● If you don’t have a copy, you can use the Sage 50 software to create a new company file.
● If you don’t have a copy of the company file or if it is damaged.
● You can use the Sage 50 software to import the file from a backup.

How to Locate the previous version in the registry in Sage 50 to prevent Sage 50 Company from Missing?

To Locate the previous version in the registry in Sage 50, follow these steps:
● First, hold down the Windows Logo key and the letter R.
● Then type Regedit into the Open box, then click OK.
● Now to see the location of companies in the previous version, you need to browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Peachtree\Version\XX\Open History\XXXX.

On the company missing, a user is performing a conversion, purge, or year-end close. Can this cause Sage 50 to prevent Sage 50 from the company missing?

During a conversion, purge, or year-end close, the company will be inaccessible to other network users until the process is completed. If any of the above processes are in progress, make sure to finish them before attempting to locate the organization again.

Sage 50 to prevent Sage 50 Company Missing can occur due to COMPANY.DAT is missing or corrupted

If COMPANY.DAT is missing or corrupted, you’ll need to restore a backup into a New Company.
● See resolution 5 above for restoring the backup into a new company.
● Check the companies open.

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