How to Set Up and Use Sage 50 Remote Data Access for Your Business?

Updated On: January 24, 2025 7:06 am

Sage 50 Remote Data Access

Remote work has grown rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the need for software that supports flexibility and remote access.

Sage 50 Accounts previously offered remote access through Sage Drive. With version 27, this feature was updated and renamed Remote Data Access (RDA). The core functions remain similar, but there are updates to data upload processes and user access management.

What is Sage 50 Remote Data Access?

Remote Data Access allows users to manage and access data stored on a remote server through a network, such as the Internet, without being physically present.

Previously known as Sage Drive, this feature lets you upload and share your Sage 50 company file, enabling access from any location. As you create or edit transactions, the company file automatically syncs with the shared data to ensure consistent updates.

This feature supports collaboration with accountants and bookkeepers, reducing disruptions to business workflows. It requires Sage 50 to be installed on all devices accessing the data and an active internet connection.

How Sage 50 Remote Data Access Can Help Your Business?

Businesses can securely store and share live accounting data in the cloud, enabling teams to access and manage information remotely over the internet.

Sage Remote Data Access provides the same functionality as working in the office, allowing users to handle tasks from home, while traveling, or anywhere with an internet connection. Real-time data access ensures smooth and efficient operations.

This feature is especially useful for regular Sage 50 users and offers several key benefits, including enhanced flexibility, collaboration, and data accessibility.

  • Supports remote and home-based work.
  • Allows access to data outside work hours.
  • Eliminates repeated backups.
  • Enables use on multiple devices.
  • Let accountants work without interrupting others.

In the past year, businesses have reevaluated their operations and identified key benefits of remote and home working, such as:

  • Cost Savings: Reduces office expenses by enabling remote work.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Supports staff in managing childcare or personal responsibilities.
  • Increased Productivity: Fewer distractions improve employee focus and output.
  • Expanded Talent Pool: Allows hiring from a broader range of locations.
  • Reduced Commute: Cuts commuting time, costs, and environmental impact.
  • Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Improves morale and supports personal obligations.
  • Lower Sick Leave: Limits germ spread, reducing sick days in shared spaces.

Sage 50 (version 26 and above) supports this model, requiring installation on each device accessing the data.

How to Download a Remote Data Access (RDA) Company File?

Here’s how to set up and connect to a shared company in Sage 50:

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of Sage 50 installed on your computer.
  2. The system administrator must add you as a user in the shared file.
  3. Launch Sage 50 on your computer.
  4. On the Welcome window, select “Connect to a shared company” and click OK.
    • If using Accountant Edition, navigate to:
      C:\Users\Public\Documents\Simply Accounting\20xx\Samdata\Enterprise\Universl.SAI
      1. Double-click “Universl.SAI” to open the sample company.
      2. Go to File and select “Connect to a Shared Company.”
download sage 50 remote data access
  1. Log in to Your Sage Account.
    • If you don’t have an account, click “Create Account” and follow the setup wizard using the same email the sysadmin used to invite you.
    • Confirm your username and email address in Setup > Set Up Users on the sysadmin’s copy of the file.
  2. In the Shared Companies window, choose the company you want to access.
  3. Click “Connect” to open the Save As window.
  4. Choose a location and update the file name if needed. Save the file to a folder on your C:\ drive for optimal results.
  5. Click Save to begin downloading the file.

Set Up Remote Data Access

  • Check if you can use Remote Data Access

To access Remote Data, make sure you are using the latest version of Sage 50 Accounts, have an active subscription, and are connected to a reliable internet connection.

Click on File, then select Backup to create a backup of your data.

  • Back up your data

Note: Even when using Remote Data Access, it’s important to continue taking regular backups of your data.

  • Allow Remote Data Access

To enable Remote Data Access, you’ll need to link your company to your Sage account.

  1. Open Sage 50 Accounts and log in as the MANAGER.
  2. Click Settings, then select User Management and choose Users.
  3. Click on MANAGER and then select Edit.
  4. Tick the Allow Remote Data Access checkbox, verify your details, and click Continue.
Allow Remote Data Access checkbox, verify your details, and click Continue
  • Unable to select the checkbox?

If you are unable to select the checkbox, your company data isn’t linked to your Sage account yet. Click Get Started now with your Sage account and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the linking process.

Allow Remote Data Access
Remote Data Access
  • Enter your first and last name, then click Yes, I am the right person.
    Verify your company information and click Continue.
  • Log in to your Sage account:

I have a Sage account: Enter your login details.
Tip: These are the same credentials used to access your payslips or mysage.com.

I don’t have a Sage account: Click Create account and follow the steps to set one up.

  • Once your company data is linked, you can select the Allow Remote Data Access checkbox.
  • Click on Continue.
  • Create a Passphrase

Tip: The Passphrase is different from your password. 

Anyone who needs remote access to the company data must enter this Passphrase. It must be at least 15 characters long and include at least one uppercase and lowercase letter. There is no maximum length.

  • Enter and confirm the Passphrase, then store it securely.
    Click Save.
  • You can now access your data through Remote Data Access.

Note: If you forget the Passphrase, the MANAGER or data owner can view it in Sage 50 Accounts. To do so, click Remote Data Access Settings, then select Show Password/Passphrase.

Additional Steps:

Now that your company is connected to RDA, let’s manage your users:

  • Give remote access to existing users: Allow current users to access the company data remotely.
  • Create new users with remote access: Set up new users and assign them permission to access your company data remotely.
  • Access company data remotely: Connect to your data from another device.

Tip: Each additional user accessing your data remotely must have their own Sage Account.

How to Sync with Sage 50 US Drive/Remote Data Access?

Sage 50 US Remote Data Access allows you to upload and share your company file remotely. However, syncing with Quadient AP is not possible while this feature is active. To temporarily stop Remote Data Access and complete the sync, follow these steps:

  • Open Sage 50 US.
  • Under File, select Remote Data Access and then click Pause Sharing.
  • Run a sync between Quadient AP and Sage 50 US.
  • Reopen Sage 50 US to confirm that the invoices have synced successfully.
  • Under File, select Remote Data Access again and click Resume Sharing.

You can now return to Sage 50 US’s multi-user mode. When you resume sharing, all synced invoices will be accessible through Remote Data Access. 

Also Read: Sage Multiuser Setup

Troubleshooting Remote Data Access (RDA) Issues in Sage 50

We’re sorry to hear you’re experiencing difficulties with RDA. Before addressing specific issues, please follow these recommended checks:

  1. Service Status– Visit status.sage.com to verify the current status of the RDA service.
  2. Confirm RDA is Enabled– Ensure your system is set up to use Remote Data Access.
  • Test Your Internet Connection
    • A minimum of 4 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload speed is required.
    • For optimal performance, avoid wireless connections.
    • On Windows 10, use the Network Speed Test from the Start menu or try an online tool like speedtest.net.
  • Review Data Volume- Large datasets can impact performance when working remotely. Review the recommended data volumes to avoid issues.

less than 250,000 splits (transactions).

This assumes that transactions are dispersed across all record types. For example, do not publish all transactions to a single nominal code or customer record.

  • Fewer than 50,000 invoices.
  • Fewer than 50,000 sales orders.
  • Fewer than 50,000 purchase orders.
  • Fewer than 5,000 customer records.
  • Fewer than 5,000 supplier records.
  • Fewer than 20,000 product records.
  • Fewer than 2,000 project records.

If you have more transactions or records than is recommended, we recommend that you reduce them to the minimum number mentioned above. You can erase outdated invoices and use the Clear Audit Trail feature to remove previous transactions.

After you’ve checked the above, if you encounter any of the following, click the appropriate link for instructions to remedy the problem.

  • RDA remains offline at the main site after attempting to reconnect. To solve this remove your company from RDA and re-upload the data.
  • Error: ‘Waiting to Open Queue.dta’ when using Remote Data Access.
  • Error ‘Processing, please wait’.
  • Error: ‘Sign In Error – The Sage ID you’ve entered has had its access revoked…’ – Sage 50 Accounts v27.
  • Error: ‘The Remote Data Access service is currently unavailable and may be inaccessible for some time’.
  • Error: ‘An error has been encountered with your Sage ID’.

Company Data is Not in Sync in Sage 50 Remote Data Access Accounts v28 and Above

Data sync issues in Remote Data Access can occur due to connection problems, mismatched datasets, or computers not being connected to Remote Data Access. To resolve this, ensure both computers are connected and use the same Dataset ID.

To check if your machines are using Remote Data Access:

  1. Log into your firm and select Help, then About.
  2. Scroll down the middle column to Remote Data Access Information.

Next to Dataset ID, it will show either:

  • A dataset ID number – This means it is connected remotely via Remote Data Access to the dataset with that ID.
  • n/a – The data is not on Remote Data Access, so this computer receives the data either locally or via a network.
  1. If a dataset ID appears, make a note of it.

ERROR: ‘The Remote Data Access Service is Currently Unavailable and May Be Inaccessible for Some Time’

Follow these steps on the computer where the error occurs. If the issue persists, repeat the steps on the computer that uploaded the data to Remote Data Access.

Check Internet speeds

For Remote Data Access to work effectively, ensure a minimum download speed of 4 Mbps and an upload speed of 2 Mbps at all locations. Avoid using a wireless internet connection. To check your speeds, use the Network Speed Test from the Start menu on Windows 10 or an online tool like www.speedtest.net.

If your connection doesn’t meet the minimum speed requirements, resolve this issue before attempting other solutions for the error message.

Check your software version number

To check your version:

  1. Open the software and select Open Demonstration Data, then click OK.
  2. Log in as MANAGER with no password and click OK.
  3. Click on Help, then select About to view your software version number.

Clear the Collaborate and ConnectedBridge folder contents

To stop the required services:

  1. Close Sage 50 Accounts.
  2. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard, type Services.msc, and click OK.
  3. Locate the required service, right-click it, and select Stop.
Sage 50 Accounts v30Sage 50 Accounts Control v30Sage 50 Accounts Service v30
Sage 50 Accounts v29Sage 50 Accounts Control v29Sage 50 Accounts Service v29
Sage 50 Accounts v28Sage 50 Accounts Control v28Sage 50 Accounts Service v28
Sage 50 Accounts v27Sage 50 Accounts Control v27Sage 50 Accounts Service v27

       4. Press and hold the Windows key + E, then navigate to the following location:

32-bit computerC:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Sage\SSB\Accounts\Collaborate
64-bit computerC:\Windows\Syswow64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Sage\SSB\Accounts\Collaborate
  1. To select the contents of the Collaborate folder, press Ctrl + A, then press Delete.
  2. Go to:
    C:\Users\XXX\AppData\Local\Sage\SSB\Accounts\ConnectedBridge
    (Replace XXX with the current Windows user).
  3. To select the contents of the ConnectedBridge folder, press Ctrl + A, then press Delete.
  4. Start the required services:
  5. Press Windows Key + R, type “Services.msc,” and click OK.
  6. Right-click the required service and select “Start.”
Sage 50 Accounts v30Sage 50 Accounts Control v30Sage 50 Accounts Service v30
Sage 50 Accounts v29Sage 50 Accounts Control v29Sage 50 Accounts Service v29
Sage 50 Accounts v28Sage 50 Accounts Control v28Sage 50 Accounts Service v28
Sage 50 Accounts v27Sage 50 Accounts Control v27Sage 50 Accounts Service v27

Disable IPV6

To change your network settings:

  1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
  2. Click Network and Internet.
  3. Click Network and Sharing Centre.
  4. Select Change adapter settings.
  5. Right-click your network connection and choose Properties.
Network and Sharing Center

7. Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) checkbox.

    Check your regional settings are set to UK

    To change your region and language settings:

    1. Press and hold the Windows key + R, type intl.cpl, then click OK.
    2. On the Formats tab, select English (United Kingdom) in the Format drop-down menu.
    3. Press and hold the Windows key + R, type ms-settings:regionlanguage, and click OK.
    4. In Region settings, set both Region and Regional format to United Kingdom.
    5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

    Check if you are using a mapped network drive 

    If you are using a mapped network drive to access company data, switch to a UNC path.

    If the data path starts with a letter other than C, like Z:, it’s a mapped drive.

    Change the connection to use a UNC path instead of a mapped drive.

    Contact your local IT support if you need help.

    Change or reset your My Sage password

    To reset your password on Sage:

    1. Visit my.sage.co.uk and click Sign in.
    2. Enter your email address and click Continue.
    3. Click Forgot your password? and enter your email address.
    4. Complete the CAPTCHA and click Continue to proceed.

    Check your firewall, antivirus, and proxy server settings

    To ensure proper connection for Sage 50 Accounts, follow these steps:

    1. Exclude URL:
      Exclude the following URL from the proxy server, firewall, or antivirus software on the computer that hosts your Sage 50 Accounts data:
      https://signon2.sso.services.sage.com
    2. Allow Sage Services:
      Make sure the following Sage services are not blocked for Internet access by your firewall, antivirus software, or proxy server:
      • sg50svc_vXX.exe
      • Sage.UK.Accounts50.Data.Service.Control_vXX.exe
    3. Where XX represents your version number (for example, 28).

    Try running the Data Service as an administrator

    Test by running the data service directly

    To troubleshoot the error in Sage 50 Accounts, follow these steps:

    1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard, type Services.msc, and press Enter.
    2. Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Sage\AccountsServiceV27.
    3. Right-click sg50svc_v27.exe or sg50svc_v27.
    4. Select Run as administrator and click Yes if prompted.
    5. This will open a command prompt window related to the Data Service running as an administrator.
    6. Do not close this window yet.
    7. Open Sage 50 Accounts and try the process that caused the error.
    8. If the error no longer appears, proceed with the next steps to fix it permanently.
    9. If the error persists, check your regional settings.

    Correct the issue permanently

    To ensure the Data Service is running correctly, follow these steps:

    1. Close the command prompt window from step 4.
    2. Press the Windows Key + R, type Services.msc, and press Enter.
    3. Check if the Data Service is still not running.
    4. Right-click Sage 50 Accounts Service vXX (replace XX with your version number) and click Properties.
    5. Go to the Log On tab and select This Account.
    6. Enter the administrator account details and password. If unsure, click Browse, then Advanced, and click Find Now. Select Local Service, click OK, and enter the Windows password.
    7. Click OK, then right-click Sage 50 Accounts Service vXX and click Start to restart the service.

    Step to Share a Company Data Files using Remote Data Access in Sage 50

    • First, click File >> Remote Data Access.
    • Next, choose the option “Yes, I am the right person”.
      • You will be asked to create an Administrator password if you do not already have one.
      • Enter a user name >> select a password >> confirm the password and then hit Save.
    • Fill out the required address information in order to confirm the company information.
      • After you’ve filled out all of the details that aren’t marked as optional, the Confirm button will appear.
    • Now, you have to follow the procedure to enter and register a Sage account.
    • After that, click Maintain >> Users >> Set Up User Security to display the “User Security” window.
    • Add a new Sage 50 users and then click Save followed by Close tab.
    • At last, hit “Ok” when this message displays on your screen “Sage 50 will start uploading your company for remote access after you finish the changes in the User Security window” and then close the window.

    Conclusion!

    Sage 50 Remote Data Access provides businesses with a flexible solution to access financial data from anywhere. Its secure cloud infrastructure ensures that users can work remotely without compromising data security. This service helps businesses stay productive, collaborate efficiently, and access real-time financial information. Whether working from home or on the go, Sage 50 Remote Data Access offers a reliable platform for managing accounting tasks.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What is Sage 50 Remote Data Access?

    Sage 50 Remote Data Access is a cloud-based service that allows users to access their Sage 50 accounting software and data remotely. It provides a secure connection to the software, enabling users to work from anywhere with internet access.

    How does Sage 50 Remote Data Access work?

    Once set up, your Sage 50 data is stored securely on the cloud, and you can access it using an internet connection. You can work on your accounting tasks as if you were in the office, with all your data and reports available in real-time.

    Is my data secure with Sage 50 Remote Data Access?

    Yes, Sage 50 Remote Data Access uses strong encryption and security measures to ensure that your data is safe and protected from unauthorized access.

    Do I need special hardware to use Sage 50 Remote Data Access?

    No special hardware is required. You just need a device with internet access, such as a laptop, desktop, or tablet, to connect to your Sage 50 account.

    Can multiple users access Sage 50 Remote Data Access at the same time?

    Yes, multiple users can access Sage 50 Remote Data Access simultaneously. You can collaborate with your team, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in managing your accounting tasks.

    Is there an additional cost for using Sage 50 Remote Data Access?

    Yes, there is an additional cost for Sage 50 Remote Data Access, depending on the plan you choose. It’s important to review the pricing details before signing up for the service.

    Can I still use Sage 50 offline?

    Yes, Sage 50 can still be used offline for tasks that don’t require cloud access. However, for real-time updates and remote collaboration, an internet connection is needed for Sage 50 Remote Data Access.

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