Error: "Unable to connect to server: server name. The server cannot be found"

When starting Sage 100 Advanced or Premium, you see the error ""Unable to connect to server: server name...". The steps below assist in troubleshooting the error.

Verify the IP address or server name is correct

1. Go to the "..\MAS90\Launcher" folder on the workstation.
2. Open the Sota.ini file.
3. Find the [Servers] section.
4. Look for the line starting with "1=".
5. Check the server name or IP address after "1=".
6. If it's wrong, enter the correct server name or IP address.
7. If needed, uninstall and reinstall Workstation Setup.
8. Ensure the firewall doesn't block the port.
9. Right-click the Sage 100 ERP icon and choose Properties.
10. In the Target field, check the server name or IP and port.
    For example:
    "..\MAS90\Home\pvxwin32.exe ../launcher/sota.ini *Client -ARG "ServerName" "10000" "Sage 100 ERP".
    "..\MAS90\Home\pvxwin32.exe ../launcher/sota.ini *Client -ARG "MyServer" "10000" "Sage 100 ERP".
    "..\MAS90\Home\pvxwin32.exe ../launcher/sota.ini *Client -ARG "192.168.1.1" "10000" "Sage 100 ERP".

Verify Windows Firewall Settings

This message shows up if the Sage 100 port lacks inbound and outbound rules in Windows Firewall settings.

1. Open Administrative Tools, then Windows Firewall with Advanced Security console.
2. Select Inbound Rules in the left pane.
3. Right-click and choose New Rule.
4. Select Program on the Rule Type screen.
5. Click Next.
6. Choose This program path and browse to your '\...\MAS90\Home\' folder.
7. Double-click pvxwin32.exe.
8. Click Next twice.
9. Select the Network Profiles you want (Domain, Private, Public).
10. Click Next.
11. Enter a name and description for the rule.
12. Click Next.
13. Follow these steps to create an Outbound Rule.

Replace the Locate.pvk and Sessions.pvk files 

The steps below are for Sage 100 ERP Advanced or Premium editions only) 

1. Have all users exit Sage 100 ERP Advanced or Premium.
2. Stop the Application or Service running Sage 100 ERP.
3. On the server, rename "Locate.pvk" and "Sessions.pvk" by adding "-Old" to each filename.
4. Open Application Server Configuration from the Windows Start Menu.
5. Sage 100 automatically recreates new "Locate.pvk" and "Sessions.pvk" files.
6. The original grid gets restored.
7. If Sage 100 ERP runs as:
   • an Application, log back into Sage 100 ERP
   • a Service, stop the Application, start the Service, then log back in

More Details

• If DNS issues arise, use the IP address instead of the server name—or vice versa
• Check the section on confirming the IP or server name. Then swap values in SOTA.INI and shortcut properties
• Uninstall and reinstall Sage 100. Use the new server name or IP, but you'll need a UNC path