Error 12 During Payroll Data Entry in Sage 100

Summary

Error 12 can occur in Sage 100 when Payroll data entry files are missing or damaged. This article explains common causes, how to identify them, and how to recreate missing files.

Description

Please see Related Resources for Program Fixes related to this issue when a Microsoft Security Update causes the error. After you apply the appropriate program fix, you don't need to remove and reinstall the Microsoft update.

External link to Microsoft Windows Update KBs (Caution: Sage isn't responsible for the content of third-party websites).

Cause

- Performance issues affect file creation.
- Webroot Antivirus or similar security software interrupts Payroll or legacy file creation.
- Backup and recovery applications run in the background.
- The workstation has low available RAM.
- Sage 100 Standard doesn't have the solution from Knowledgebase article 45806 implemented.
- A workstation recently installed Microsoft Windows Update (KB4051034) or Microsoft Windows Security Update (KB4054518).

Resolution

CAUTION: Sage support can't assist with third-party products, hardware, report customizations, or state and federal tax questions. Refer to our Scope of Support for more info. Contact your Sage business partner, network administrator, or accountant for assistance.

Address possible causes

Webroot Antivirus

A common cause is Webroot Antivirus. Some customers report that exclusions for Sage 100, MAS90, and PRXXX folders don't resolve the issue. They resolve the problem only after removing Webroot and using another antivirus solution. [Writing St...Agent.docx | Word]

Other antivirus or anti-malware software

Some antivirus products aggressively monitor file activity.

Configure antivirus exclusions for Sage 100 folders.
Disable On-Access Scanning, real-time scanning, or active scanning.
Apply these settings on both the Sage 100 server and all workstations.

Note: See Knowledgebase article 45806 in Related Resources for antivirus exclusion information. [Writing St...Agent.docx | Word]

Check for Microsoft Windows updates

Open Control Panel.
Select Programs and Features, or Uninstall a Program.
Select View installed updates.
Check whether either update exists:
- Update for Microsoft Windows (KB4051034)
- Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB4054518)
If either update exists:
- Install the applicable Program Fix for your Sage 100 version.
- Alternatively, remove the specific Microsoft Windows update.

Note: Even after installing a program fix or antivirus exclusions, missing files can still trigger Error 12. For example:

A Windows update or antivirus product blocks file creation.
A user or technician moves or deletes a required file.
Security software quarantines or blocks a file.

When Sage 100 can't find a required file, it generates the error. [Writing St...Agent.docx | Word]

Re-create missing files

Open File Explorer.
Browse to the following folder:

..\MAS90\MAS_XXX\YYXXX

Where:
- YY represents the module.
- XXX represents the company code.
Locate the file referenced in the error message, such as:
- PR9xxx.soa
- PRBxxx.soa
- PRIxxx.soa
- PRJxxx.soa
If the file is missing, continue to Step 7.
If the file exists but appears damaged, right-click the file.
Select Rename, and rename the file. Examples:
- oldPR9xxx.soa
- oldPRBxxx.soa
Open the Reinitialize Data Files utility.
Use the Manual option to reinitialize the missing or damaged file identified in the error message.

Note: See Related Resources for instructions on manually reinitializing a data file. [Writing St...Agent.docx | Word]