Using the Migration Tool

The Migration Tool is the preferred method to migrate Sage 300 CRE to a new server.

Some benefits of using the Migration Tool are:

• It provides an easy-to-use interface, and simplifies the migration process
• You can upgrade to the next version in the upgrade path
• Macros migrate to the new server if they're in the company folder (no need to recreate them)
• Automatically updates some custom report paths - it updates UNC paths but not mapped drives
• Migrate attachments to the new server and remap their file paths automatically (no need to update paths manually)

The original server must be functioning and available on the network to use the Migration Tool. If a hardware failure happened or the original server is offline, perform a manual migration instead of using the Migration Tool.

For complete instructions on how to use the Migration Tool refer to the Installation Guide or User's Guide. You can also see these steps to use the Migration Tool.

When moving data to a new server, don't copy the data folders to non-UAC compliant locations such as C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\. See the User's Guide (12.1 and later) for more information on UAC-compliant locations. The default location for data is \\ServerName\Timberline Office\Data.

Manual Migration

Overview of Process

1. Copy Company data folders from the original server to the new server.
2. Copy the 9.5 folder from the original server to C:\ProgramData\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5 on the new server.
3. Install the same version of Sage 300 CRE to the new server.

Important Considerations

• This process is complex. Read this entire article before attempting to move your Sage 300 CRE Accounting files to a new server. If any step is unclear, contact your business partner or Customer Support for assistance before the process begins.
• On the new server, reinstall the same version of Sage 300 CRE. Apply any patches or software updates on the new server that you applied on the original server.
• After migrating your current Sage 300 CRE to the new server, test the applications in the new location. Install the newer version after confirming successful tests.
• If the drive mapping to Sage 300 CRE on the server changes, custom report links won't work. To resolve the issue, update the path for your custom reports in Reports Manager of the appropriate applications.
• If you have Estimating Products on the destination machine, remove them before beginning to install Accounting products. Reinstall Estimating products after you install Accounting products.
• Validate you have enough drive space on the new server to install. Sage 300 CRE installs various files to the same drive location as the ProgramData folder, typically the C: drive. You must have at least 4 GB of space available on this drive to install Sage 300 CRE. Drive space requirements vary by version. Refer to the product documentation for more information.
• We've removed the requirement that you set up a registry key and have your activation codes prefill.

On the old server

1. Have all operators exit all Sage 300 CRE applications.
2. Check File Locations (if any) for each company data folder: File, Company Settings, File Locations.
   • File Locations are company specific so you need to log into each company to check the file locations
   • If data has file locations different than your main company data, copy the data to the new server
   • Make note of file locations as you'll need to re-point these locations on the new server. UNC paths are recommended
3. If you have PJ Correspondence log attachments, note their location and copy them to the new server.
   • After migration is complete and you've moved the attachments, correct the attachment paths.
4. Back up the Sage 300 CRE data. Confirm the backup is successful before continuing.
   • Back up all company data.
   • Back up the \Sage\Timberline Office\9.5 folder located under:
     • Windows Vista, Windows 7 and later: C:\ProgramData\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5
     • XP and Server 2003: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5
5. If your new server will have the same server, path, and share names, proceed to step 7.
6. If step 5 doesn't apply, complete the following before moving on to step 7.
   • If your new server has different server, path, or share names, remove all companies from the Open Company window. Complete this on the original server before to migrating. This ensures the Security Administration contains no Company Folder path information with references to the original server. Download and run the Security Reports to generate a list of users by company before removing companies.
7. Copy the 9.5 folder from the original server to C:\ProgramData\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5 on the new server. Check the following locations for the 9.5 folder:
   • Windows 2003/XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5
   • Server 2008/Vista/Windows 7: C:\ProgramData\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5
     • The C:\ProgramData folder defaults to hidden. Show hidden files and folders in folder options to see C:\ProgramData. Also, it's correct that there's no space in C:\ProgramData
     • The Timberline Office\9.5 folder will remain 9.5 even if you've upgraded to 9.6 or later. Don't change the name of this folder
8. Copy all Sage 300 CRE company data to the new server:
   • The default location for data is C:\ProgramData\Sage\Timberline Office\Data
   • Place the data in a location that’s shared and available to all Sage 300 CRE Users
9. If you have Version 17.1.5 or higher installed on this server, Deauthorize the old server via License Administration. If you are on 17.1.4 or lower, skip to Install step 3.
   1. Open License Administration (Start menu, Sage Administration, License Administration).
   2. Click the "Deauthorize Server" button on the right in License Administration.
   3. Close License Administration.
   4. If you can't open License Administration on the old server, contact Sage Support (800-551-8307) to deauthorize.

Install the same version of Sage 300 CRE on the new server

1. Install the same version of Sage 300 CRE on the new server.
2. Verify the installation automatically enters your registration name, client number, and software country. The activation codes won't prefill.
   • WARNING: If the installation doesn't prefill your registration name, client number, and country, contact Sage Support for assistance. If you proceed with the installation, you can lose your customization.
3. If installing Version 17.1.5 or higher, skip to step 4 below. If installing Version 17.1.4 or lower, when prompted to enter the number of uses and activation codes:
   1. Manually enter the number of uses and activation codes.
   2. Use the AccActivation.xml file in the Wininst folder of the old server to prefill the uses/activation codes.
      • Copy the AccActivation.xml file from the old server's Wininst folder to the desktop of the new server. Locate the file in these folders:
        • C:\ Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5\Accounting\Wininst
        • C:\ProgramData\Sage\Timberline Office\9.5\Accounting\Wininst) to the desktop of the new server
      • When you reach the activation grid during the new server install, drag the AccActivation.xml file into the grid. When your mouse pointer turns to a + sign, drop it and your activation codes prefill. Drag it again if it doesn't work the first time. Otherwise, click inside one of the Uses cells and press ctrl+shift+F10. This allows you to browse for the AccActivation.xml file.
4. Complete the installation of Sage 300 CRE. For complete instructions, see the User Guide in Product Documents.
   • Verify share and permission setup on the Timberline Office folder at C:\ProgramData\Sage location on the new server. Creating a share higher or lower than this folder can cause unexpected errors to occur.
   • When you add your data to the Company List, you must use the UNC paths. For example, \\ServerName\Timberline Office\Data\Company. For more information, refer to the product documentation.
5. If on Version 17.1.5 or higher, open License Administration (Start menu, Sage Administration, License Administration). Enter your Sage Client ID and Registration Name to activate the new server.

Post Migration Steps

1. Once you complete the migration, consider turning off the old server or disabling shares to Sage 300 CRE. This eliminates the possibility of having data updated on the old server due to file locations.
2. Open each company folder and check File Locations.
   1. File, Company Settings, File Locations.
   2. Check each of the resources listed and update paths if they exist.
      • If you store your tax.prx file in another location, you can copy that file to the new server. Confirm the file location goes to the new location on the new server.
      • It's especially important to update paths for any data files listed.
3. If you have any custom reports, the update the file paths, if needed.
4. Set up any missing macros, if needed.
5. The application administrator must re-select companies in the Select Company window. Use the Specify button to browse to the location of the company folders.
6. After adding the company folders, use Security Administration and add users to those companies.
7. Uninstall Sage 300 CRE on your workstations and reinstall from the new server location.
   • Apply any patches or updates that you applied on the server
   • Find the workstation installation at \\ServerName\Timberline Office\9.5\Accounting\WinInst\Install.exe
   • If you're also upgrading Sage, you can wait to install workstations until after you upgrade the server