Review important considerations before conversion

• You’re responsible for issues caused by following these steps.
  
  CAUTION:

  Conversion actions affect Sage Timeslips functionality and database behavior.

Confirm system requirements

• Complete conversions on the physical server hosting the database.
• Firebird Database blocks conversions launched from workstations.
• Sage Timeslips prompts you to restart conversion on the server if needed.

Review operating system behavior

• Store converted databases where only the server accesses them.
• Firebird manages database requests from network workstations.
• Firebird stores databases in C:\ProgramData\ by default. 
• Enable Show hidden files and folders in Windows to view this directory.

Prepare data before conversion

• Create and store a secure backup of Sage Timeslips data.
• Restore this backup later if conversion changes specific information.

Evaluate timing considerations

• Convert after approving bills and statements to reduce aging discrepancies.
• Distribute new-version remote databases after conversion.
• Confirm third-party application compatibility before converting.
• Exchange all third-party data before conversion, including eCenter, Amicus, Abacus, and TimeMatters.
• Approve or clear all proof and revision bills.
• Run a Data Verification test before conversion.  See the article Run Data Verification for more details.
• Correct reported errors before conversion.
• Print and finalize the G/L Transfer Register if you use TAL.

Perform single station conversion

Close all applications

• Close all applications on the workstation before converting.

Start conversion

• Install the Sage Timeslips upgrade or single station version.
• Open Sage Timeslips to trigger the conversion prompt.
• For new installations, select Open an Existing Database.
• Browse to the previous version database.

Locate the database manually if needed

• Select Open an Existing Database.
• Change Files of Type from main.fdb to main.db.
• Browse to the Timeslips data location.
• Choose Next.

Accept conversion requirements

• Select "I understand that taxes will not automatically be updated".
• Choose Next to continue.

Create the required backup

• Sage Timeslips requires a backup before conversion.
• The system blocks conversion without a backup.
• The backup saves automatically with a date and time stamp.
• Choose Save and wait for completion.

Complete conversion

• The system starts conversion after backup completion.
• Leave the machine unused during conversion.
• Conversion duration depends on the database size.
• Select View Log if conversion fails.
• Provide the conversion log to support if needed.
• Select OK after a successful conversion.

Verify data

• Review converted data for accuracy.
• Contact support if the data appears incorrect.

Perform multi-station upgrade conversion

Close all applications

• Close all applications on the workstation before converting.

Start conversion on upgrade

• Install Sage Timeslips Premium or 2017+.
• Open Sage Timeslips to trigger the conversion prompt.
• For new installations, select Open an existing database.

Locate the database manually if needed

• Select Open an existing database.
• Change Files of Type from main.fdb to main.db.
• Browse to the Sage Timeslips data location.
• Choose Next.

Confirm local conversion requirement

• Perform conversion on the server hosting the database.
• Exit conversion if the database isn’t local to the machine.
• Start Sage Timeslips Premium on the server instead.

Configure network availability

• Choose to make the database available to the entire network.
• Assign a database name.
• Optionally enter comments for internal reference.
• Choose Next.

Accept requirements and backup

• Select "I understand that taxes will not automatically be updated".
• Choose Next.
• Create the mandatory backup.
• Allow the system to complete the backup process.

complete conversion

• The system begins conversion automatically.
• Avoid using the machine during conversion.
• Select View Log if conversion fails.
• Keep the log available for support.
• Choose OK after successful conversion.

Verify data

• Review the converted database in Sage Timeslips Premium.
• Contact support if incorrect data appears.

Perform multi-station new installation conversion

Close all applications

• Close all applications on the workstation before converting.

Open existing database

• Install Sage Timeslips Premium or 2017+.
• Open Sage Timeslips.
• Select Open an existing database.

Browse to prior database

• The Open Database dialog shows only registered databases.
• Select the 3-dot button to browse manually.
• Locate the prior version Main.DB file.
• Choose Open, then select OK.

Start conversion

• Follow the Conversion dialog prompts.
• Change Files of Type to main.db if needed.
• Choose Next.

Convert on server

• Exit conversion if the database isn’t local.
• Perform conversion on the physical server.
• Copy the database to the Timeslips server if required.

Configure network access

• Select "Make database available for the entire network".
• Name the database.
• Optionally add comments.
• Choose Next.

Accept requirements and backup

• Select "I understand that taxes will not automatically be updated".
• Choose Next.
• Complete the mandatory backup.

Complete conversion

• Allow conversion to finish without interruptions.
• Select View Log if conversion fails.
• Choose OK after a successful conversion.

Verify data

• Review the converted database in Sage Timeslips Premium or 2017+.
• Contact support if any data appears incorrect.