How to Fix Sage Error when Opening Accessing File

Sage 50 is one of the best business management software for both small and mid-size businesses. Power-packed with some of the latest and most advanced industry-specific accounting functions, it can help owners streamline and manage all their essential business operations.

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However, at times, you might run into errors while working on your Sage accounting software. One such error is ‘Error accessing file on the specified data path’. This error message occurs when your Sage accounting software cannot locate the Accdata folder in the specified data path and could appear in any one of the following message forms:

Error accessing file on XXX – The system cannot find the path specified.

Error accessing file on XXX – Logon failure, unknown username or bad password.

Cannot find directory XXX – Please check your Company file and icon properties.

Here, XXX represents the data path being used.

Steps to Fix Sage Error when Opening Accessing File

Though the Sage Error when Opening Accessing File message looks quite tricky, the method to fix it is quite simple and can be performed manually. Here’s how you can fix the error message on your own.

Total Time: 35 minutes

Step 1: Verify the Company:

💠 Verify if it is a new company. If not, then click Next.
💠 However, if it is a new company then,
💠 Locate the company file and click Delete. Now try to open the software again.
💠 If the issue has not been resolved, then try to uninstall and reinstall the software to a new directory.

Step 2: Check the Specified Data Path:

💠 If the error still persists, then click Next and check if the specified data path is correct:
💠 If the data path starts with C:\ then your data is stored on the local PC.
💠 If the data path starts with \\ then you need to access your data through a network.
💠 If the data path starts with any other letter, then you need check if it is stored on a local network or a network drive. For this, go to Start and click on Computer. Now right-click on the drive letter and check Properties.

Also Read: How to restore Sage Company File Backups

Step 3: Data Stored Locally:

💠 It is very uncommon for this error to occur if your data is stored locally. However, it can occur if
💠 The path in the Company file is wrong.
💠 Folders in the data path have been renamed or modified.

In Case: The Path in the Company file is incorrect, you need to amend it. For this,

💠 Browse the Company file.
💠 Double click on the Company file and click Open with Notepad.
💠 Amend the path by clicking on File > Save > File > Exit.
💠 However, if the path specified in the company file is correct, then one of the folders must have been deleted, moved, or modified.

Related article: Sage 50 Error Loading Current Company File

In Case: You are not able to retrieve the folder, create the missing folder manually and restore it back to the Sage account:

💠 Browse the Company file.
💠 Click on File, then click New and go to Folder.
💠 Type the name of the missing folder and click Enter.
💠 Double click on the new folder and click on File, then click New and click Folder.
💠 Type Accdata and press Enter.
💠 Now open your Sage Accounts and complete the ActiveSetup Wizard to create a new company and restore the latest backup.

Step 4: Data Stored on Network:

Check whether your data path starts with \\ or a drive letter.

When data path starts with \\

💠 Here, the data is accessed via the UNC path. This could occur due to various reasons like insufficient network permissions, renamed or deleted folder, unavailability of server, or the server being password protected.
💠 To fix the Sage Error when Opening Accessing File message,
💠 Hold the Windows key and press R.
💠 In the box, type the UNC path and check for the error message –
💠 Error message ‘Access denied’ means you do not have sufficient permission to access the path. Check with the IT administrator to modify your access rights.
💠 Error message ‘The network path was not found’ means either the folder is missing from the path or the server name is incorrect. Ensure that the server name and path are correct.
💠 If user ID and password prompt appears, then it means that the password protected sharing is turned on.
💠 Turn off the password protected sharing to solve the issue. For this,
💠 Click Start and go to the Control Panel.
💠 Click Network and Internet and open Network and Sharing Center.
💠 Now click on Advanced sharing options and turn off password protected sharing.
💠 Click on Save changes and then click Continue to fix the issue.

When data path starts with a drive letter:

It is not uncommon to lose a network connection if the data is accessed via a mapped network drive. To fix the issue, change the data path to a UNC path. For this,

💠 Browse the Company file and double click on it.
💠 Open it with Notepad.
💠 Now change the Company file to its equivalent UNC paths.
💠 Now click File > Save > File > Exit.

The Path in the Company file is incorrect, you need to amend it. For this,

Following these steps can help you solve ‘Error accessing file on the specified data path’ with your Sage accounting software. However, if you are still not able to fix the issue, you need expert help. Call to get in touch with a certified Sage repair consultant at accountingadvice.co who can help you fix the error message at the comfort of your home or office.

Final Words!

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So whether you want to install, update, or upgrade your Sage accounting software or are facing error messages while working on it, expert help is just a call 1800 964 3096 away. Simply call accountingadvice.co at and solve all your Sage 50 accounting software related issues instantly.

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