Error: "There was a problem activating"

Certain computers, like the Intel NUC, won’t list information for System Manufacturer, System Model and System SKU, which will cause this error. In these instances, you can add this information using the Intel Integrator Toolkit, available here: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/29345/NUCs-Intel-Integrator-Toolkit.

• Server upgraded but workstations weren’t, or vice/versa
• Actian not started or damaged
• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service is corrupt
• Btrieve is running
• User Account Control (UAC)
• Permissions not set correctly on shared folder
• Firewall/Antivirus blocking Internet access
• No Internet connection
• Can't ping the server
• Incorrect settings in Internet Options (or proxy settings blocking, or geolocation enabled)
• Damaged Operating System
• Incorrect Serial Number
• The data path is incorrect
• Damaged data path files
• Program path not installed in Program Files (x86) on 64-bit operating system
• Multiple versions are installed and using the same data path (side-by-side installation)
• Incomplete or damaged install of program
• Sage Activation Servers aren't responding to activation requests

Before troubleshooting, check https://status.sage.com for system outages.

 NOTE: You may need to perform a combination of steps below to confirm cause and resolution. For example, you may need to disable User Access Control (UAC), use MSConfig in Selective Startup, turn off proxy settings in Internet Options, and add the trusted site. If after completing these steps you’re still unable to activate, you’ll need to contact support. Refer to Contact Support: Sage 50—U.S. Edition support hours and contact information. 

If recently upgraded

• Was the server upgraded and workstations weren’t, or vice/versa?
• Follow Error: "There was a problem activating..." when server/workstation upgraded but not workstation/server.

Actian Zen/Pervasive

Is Actian Zen or Pervasive not started?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." and Actian is not started

Is Btrieve is running?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when Btrieve is running

Is Actian Zen or Pervasive damaged?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when Actian is damaged

Environmental

Is User Account Control (UAC) blocking?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." and UAC is blocking

Does the computer have drive sectors larger than 4k, or a Windows 11 operating system?

• Sage 50 will not run on drives with larger than 4k sectors

Are permissions not set correctly on the shared folder?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when permissions are not set correctly

Is the firewall/antivirus blocking?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when firewall/antivirus is blocking
• What website does the program use when it tries to activate?

Do you have no Internet connection?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." with no Internet connection

Can you not ping your server by name?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." and cannot ping the server

Do you have incorrect settings in Internet Options (or proxy settings blocking)?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when incorrect Internet or Proxy settings.

How to tell when your Operating System is damaged (WMI)

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when the Operating System is damaged.

Program Issues

Is the Serial Number incorrect on any computer?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when have an incorrect Serial Number

Is your data path incorrect?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when the data path is incorrect

Do you have damaged files in your data path?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when data path files are damaged

Is the program not installed in Program Files (x86) on a 64-bit operating system?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when program path not installed in Program Files (x86)

Are multiple versions installed and using the same data path?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when multiple versions are installed and using the same data path

Did the install not complete or is it damaged?

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." when the install was damaged or incomplete

Sage Activation servers are down

• Error: "There was a problem activating..." and there is a Sage server issue