How to Fix Sage 50 SmartPosting Service Not Starting

The Sage 50 SmartPosting Service Not Starting Error is one of the most common issues experienced by its users. The error arises when Smart Posting fails to install on the server. Additionally, damaged SmartPosting service files can trigger the error, too.

When you are using the SmartPosting Sage 50 application, the following error message appears on your desktop:

“The Smartposting Service on the Server [SERVER NAME] is Not Running so cannot be Restarted.”

In today’s article, we will discuss the SmartPosting service error in detail. We will discuss some effective solutions to fix this issue and the common causes that trigger the problem. This will help you ensure your SmartPosting service runs smoothly.

Additionally, we will share some useful tips to avoid issues in the future. So, let us begin by understanding what a SmartPosting error in Sage 50 is all about.

What is a SmartPosting Error in Sage 50?

A SmartPosting issue is a technical problem. It arises when the SmartPosting fails to start due to problems with program files.

In simple words, SmartPosting is a background service that runs on your system. It posts transactions to your Sage 50 company file. In case the SmartPosting service fails to start, posting transactions to your Sage 50 company file is not possible.

What is the Significance of Sage 50 SmartPosting Service?

The Sage 50 SmartPosting Service automates transaction posting in Sage 50 accounting software. It streamlines the process of recording transactions in the general ledger. The service operates in the background. Users can perform other tasks while it records transactions in real-time.

You can start any transaction with Sage 50, like making payments or entering invoices. The SmartPosting Service in Sage 50 updates the general ledger automatically without any manual help. This removes the need to post every individual transaction manually. Consequently, you save time with minimal errors.

The SmartPosting Service enables integration with other Sage 50 modules, including inventory management and payroll processing. It synchronizes financial data across various areas of the accounting system. This integration provides a comprehensive view of the business’s financial health.

By comprehending how SmartPosting Service operates, you can handle financial data effortlessly. Furthermore, you can troubleshoot any future problems and ensure the smooth functioning of the accounting process.

Let us move ahead and dig deep to learn about the causes of the SmartPosting Service Not Starting error in Sage 50.

Reasons that trigger the Sage 50 Smartposting Service Not Starting Error

It is essential to understand why you are receiving continuous error notifications. Here is the list of the causes that trigger the Sage 50 error in your system:

• SmartPosting is not installed correctly on the server: If the installation is incomplete or faulty, the service may fail to start.
• Corrupted or damaged SmartPosting service files: File corruption can interrupt the service and cause posting errors.
• Problems within the Sage 50 software: Bugs or errors in the program itself can sometimes affect SmartPosting.
• System requirements not met: Running Sage 50 on hardware or an operating system that does not meet the minimum requirements may cause instability.
• Incorrect or misconfigured settings: Misalignment in Sage 50 preferences or operating system settings can prevent SmartPosting from functioning.
• Insufficient transaction balance: If transactions are incomplete or unbalanced, SmartPosting may stop working properly.

Now that the reasons are clear for the occurrence of the SmartPosting services not starting error, let us learn about the solutions too.

How to Fix Sage 50 SmartPosting Service Not Starting Error?

Here is a list of some of the effective solutions to fix the SmartPosting Service error:

Solution 1: Locate and Resolve Damaged Transactions

Before starting the troubleshooting procedures, please ensure that you are the only user who is using the company file:

• To review, navigate to the Maintain section.
• Now navigate to the Users section. Then go to the User Login Manager.
• Now press the option, Maintain once more.
• Press the tab, Company Information.
• Now press the box beside the Posting Method.
• Press on Real-time.
• Press the OK button.
• Now, click OK once more on the next screen.
• Now press Maintain once more.
• Now press the Company Information tab again.
• Now, check if the posting method is shifting to SmartPosting. These are considered the damaged transactions in your organization.
• Repair the damaged transactions.

Solution 2: Disable the SmartPosting Service in Sage

Here are the steps you need to implement:

• Click the Windows + R keys.
• Now press Run, and the menu will appear on the screen.
• Enter services.msc in the available search box.
• Click Enter.
• The services list in the category will be displayed.
• Choose the particular SmartPosting Service you are accessing from the list.
• Press twice the service you selected.
• Press the option named, Deactivate from the Startup.
• Press on Recovery.
• Now press the option, take no action for first failure, succeeding failures, and second failures.
• Click the OK option.

Solution 3: Locate and Repair the Out-of-Balance Transactions

Here are the steps to find out and fix the out-of-balance transactions:

• Press the link that shows that the SmartPosting Service has not begun.
• Press the option Start SmartPosting.
• If the SmartPosting service does not work, it shows the journal concerning the error.
• Press the Tasks tab.
• Go to the System section.
• Now press Post.
• Choose the Journal shown in the error message.
• Press OK.
• The journal is posted. Now, load the integrity if you receive a Journal Out of Balance error message.
• Now press the Integrity Check screen.
• Navigate to Journal Balances.
• Press the OK button to move ahead.
• Once the test is complete, press the Maintain tab.
• Now, press the Company Information tab.
• Modify the posting method to Real-time from SmartPosting.
• Once all the journals are posted, press Maintain again.
• Press the Company Information tab again.
• Modify your posting method to SmartPosting from Real-time.
• Check if you can begin the SmartPosting service now.

How to fix SmartPosting Service on Server [Server Name] is not running, so it cannot be restarted?

This is a commonly occurring issue that can arise in all versions of Windows, 7, 8, 10, etc. However, the solution for all these versions is the same and not different.

• Ensure Sage 50 is closed on all the computers.
• On the server, you need to confirm the following 3 files, which are saved in the program path:
  • SmartPostingService20XX.exe
  • SmartPostingService20XX.exe.config
  • SmartPostingInterop.dll
  • Now you need to copy the command to Notepad- sc create “ Sage 50 Smart Posting 2019” start = auto beneath = “C:\Program Files\Sage 50\SmartpostingService2019.exe” DisplayName= “Sage 50 SmartPosting 2019”
• Now, in the notepad, the binPath needs to be updated to be similar to the program path.
• Modify the year to 2019 in all three places to the right release year, if you are using a different release version.
• Now press Start, Run.
• Now enter CMD in the open field.
• Now press OK.
• Put the updated Command Line and press Enter.
• It will lead to Success to come up on the window.
• Press Start, Run.
• Now enter Services.msc.
• Now press OK.
• In the list, right-click on the currently installed SmartPosting 20XX Sage 50 and press Smart.
• You need to check if SmartPosting is running or not.

What are the tips to consider to avoid Sage 50 SmartPosting Service errors?

Here are some of the tips to consider to avoid SmartPosting Service Sage 50 errors:

1. Customize your Data

Before using the SmartPosting Service, you must clean up your data. Avoid errors during the posting process by customizing your data in Sage 50 by:

• Erasing any identical or old entries.
• Reconciling accounts.
• Ensuring all transactions are recorded precisely.

2. Use Automation Features

SmartPosting is known for one of its key benefits. It can automate repetitive tasks like posting payments or invoices. Leverage this feature by creating templates or rules that can simplify such processes. The outcome will be less time consumption and fewer manual errors.

3. Regular Software Update

To make sure SmartPosting Service Sage 50 is used seamlessly and efficiently, updated software is crucial. Timely updates of Sage 50 usually include enhancements and bug fixes. Such enhancements boost the performance of the software and resolve all computability issues.

4. Get familiar with the User Guide

Sage offers a user guide with key insights on how to take advantage of the SmartPosting Service. Hence, read it carefully and get acquainted with the key features and functionalities.

5. Provide Training sessions

Consider offering training sessions if you have several users using Sage 50 in your enterprise. Such sessions will focus on how to use the features of the SmartPosting service successfully. Consequently, users will adopt the best practices for boosting efficiency and eliminating possible issues.

Conclusion – Fixing SmartPosting Service Not Starting in Sage 50

When Sage 50’s SmartPosting service fails to start or becomes stuck, the system defaults to batch posting, meaning you’ll need to manually post transactions via Tasks → System → Post. Common causes include service hangs, corrupted files, unresolved journal errors, or permission issues. Effective fixes include restarting the service from Windows Services, stopping it via Task Manager, ensuring journal errors are posted and resolved, and confirming proper file permissions (especially for SPState.xml). If the problem persists, AccountsPro’s Sage-certified support team can provide secure, knowledgeable remote assistance to get SmartPosting running smoothly again.

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