You'll need to have your:
- Registration Name
- Sage Client ID (10-digit number starting with 4)
- Current Sage Business Care plan
- Sufficient disk space
- Appropriate operating system service pack installed
Preparing Your System
A comprehensive system preparation is essential for a successful upgrade. Start by running File Doctor on all files in your current version. This step is crucial as certain issues may become unfixable after upgrading to version 17.1.
Create a complete backup of:
- All Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate data
- Program files
- Custom reports
- Database configurations
Upgrade Path Verification
The upgrade path must be verified before proceeding with the installation. Different starting versions require specific upgrade paths:
From Version 18.1.x
- Direct upgrade to version 20.x is possible
From Version 16.1.x or 17.1.x
- First upgrade to 18.4
- Then upgrade to version 20
From Version 15.1.x
- Upgrade to 17.1
- Then to 18.4
- Finally to version 20
Installation Process
Server-Side Installation
- Verify that all users have exited the Sage 300 system
- Share the Sage 300 Program and Data folder on the network
- Install the required version on the server first
- Configure the database setup on the server
Workstation Setup
The workstation installation process requires careful attention to detail:
- Navigate to the shared Sage 300 Program folder from the workstation
- Locate the WSSetup folder
- Execute the setup.exe file
- Follow the installation wizard prompts
- Specify the correct Programs and Data path pointing to the server location
Database Configuration
After completing the workstation installation, configure the database:
- Navigate to Sage 300 ERP Database Setup
- Enter the administrator password
- Verify the database connection
- Confirm the database server connectivity
Special Considerations
Document Management
For users upgrading from versions prior to 15.1, be aware that Document Management includes changes to DocuVault indexes, which may require significant processing time. Schedule these upgrades during non-work hours.
Service Management and Inventory
Special attention must be paid when upgrading Service Management, Purchasing, and Inventory applications:
- These must be upgraded at the server
- The upgrade must be performed while logged into the server console
- Remote Desktop sessions should not be used for these upgrades
- Performing these upgrades on a workstation will result in incorrect DSN settings
Post-Installation Tasks
Custom Reports Upgrade
If you have custom Crystal Reports designs from version 13.1 or earlier:
- Access the upgrade tool through the Sage Administration program group
- Select the reports requiring upgrade
- Follow the upgrade wizard prompts
Data File Verification
After installation:
- Verify all accounting and management application data files are upgraded
- Check database connectivity from each workstation
- Test all integrated applications
- Verify custom report functionality
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Database Connection Issues
If experiencing database connectivity problems:
- Verify network connectivity
- Check shared folder permissions
- Confirm database server settings
- Ensure proper DSN configuration
Performance Optimization
To maintain optimal system performance:
- Regular database maintenance
- Periodic file integrity checks
- System resource monitoring
- Regular backups
Best Practices
System Maintenance
Maintain system integrity by:
- Scheduling regular backups
- Monitoring system logs
- Keeping anti-virus software updated
- Regular system performance checks
Security Considerations
Implement proper security measures:
- User access controls
- Regular password updates
- Secure network configurations
- Audit trail monitoring
Future Considerations
Stay prepared for future updates by:
- Maintaining current backups
- Documenting custom modifications
- Keeping system requirements updated
- Planning upgrade schedules during off-peak hours
Remember that Sage typically supports the most recent two versions of the software with product updates. Staying current with updates ensures continued support and access to the latest features and security improvements.
Regular maintenance and proper upgrade procedures will ensure your Sage 300 system continues to operate efficiently and reliably. Always consult with your Sage partner or support team when undertaking major version upgrades to ensure all specific requirements for your installation are addressed.
Sources: [1] https://support.eosgroup.com/support/solutions/articles/5000870701-sage-300-construction-and-real-estate-and-sage-estimating-pervasive-sql-upgrade-paths [2] https://cdn.na.sage.com/Docs/en/customer/300cre/17_1/open/UserGuide.pdf [3] https://www.top-sage-resellers.com/blog/sage-300-erp-how-to-install-activate-tax-updates [4] https://www.greytrix.com/blogs/sageaccpacerp/2013/05/16/installation-of-sage-300-erp-workstation-setup/ [5] http://help.sage300.com/en-us/2023/classic/Content/ConnectedServices/HRManagement/Workstation_Setup.htm [6] https://www.baass.com/blog/best-practices-for-upgrading-and-updating-sage-software [7] https://help.sage300.com/en-us/2023/classic/Content/ConnectedServices/HRManagement/Workstation_Setup.htm