Fix Sage 50 2024 Obsolescence Message Error – Experts Guide

It is alarming when you open Sage 50 2024, and the message that appears is Obsolescence. The message normally indicates that some of the program is outdated or that it requires revision. The upside: this is most of the time easy to rectify. The article explains what the obsolescence message is, why it is displayed, and how to resolve it step-by-step, so you can get back to work as soon as possible.

What does the Obsolescence message mean in Sage 50 2024

When Sage displays an obsolete message, it is telling you that some program update, service update, or data file it depends on is not up-to-date, or it failed to be verified. Sage occasionally releases small updates (program and product/service or P&S updates) to keep the software operational, including online checks, tax updates, and security checks. In case Sage fails to download or make those updates, the notice of obsolescence may be displayed in the program. It can be a real (you are out of support) message sometimes, and a false alarm when a missing update file or blocked network access occurs.

Note: If Sage 50 won’t open properly or shows startup issues, you can also check our guide on Sage 50 Won’t Open or Respond.

Main causes of the obsolescence message in Sage 50 (2024)

There may be many causes of the appearance of this message. We will discuss them sequentially.

Missing or damaged update files

Sage 50 installs small background files to maintain the software in the system. In case one of these files, particularly OBSRET.DAT, is lost or corrupted, Sage will believe that you have an outdated version. This is among the most widespread causal factors. The OBSRET.DAT file will inform you of the version that is being supported and is still valid. In case the file is outdated or inaccessible, the obsolescence message is displayed automatically by Sage.

Outdated program version

Sage also publishes new releases every year (such as Sage 50 2023, 2024, etc.). There is some date beyond which older versions cease to be updated or verified online. In case you have a version of the program that is no longer supported by Sage, you will see the obsolescence warning to upgrade the program.

Note: An outdated version might trigger this warning learn how to update Sage 50 to the latest version.

Incomplete program or service (P&S) updates

Sage operates a system named Program and Service (P&S) Updates. These minor updates are executed automatically as you access or exit Sage 50. When your computer is shut down or disconnected during any of these updates, the installation may fail, which will result in a false obsolescence notification.

Internet or network issues

Without an internet connection to your Sage 50, it will not be able to check your license and update files. The warning can be triggered by poor internet connectivity, a firewall that blocks access by Sage, a corporate proxy server, etc.

Incorrect system date or time

Sage uses your computer system date as a validation of support periods. When your system clock is incorrect (say by a year), Sage may believe that your version has expired and display the obsolescence message when it has not expired at all.

Firewall or antivirus blocking Sage updates

Other antivirus or firewall software prohibits the downloading of updates or the verification of the license at Sage. When this occurs, the connection between Sage and update servers is broken, which may cause an obsolescence warning.

Server-based or multi-user installation issues

When using Sage in a multi-user environment or based on a server, the message may be displayed when one computer updates, and others do not. The workstations and the server should be operating on the same release and level of updating.

Before you start – simple checks

Do these quick checks first. They are quick and tend to correct the message:

• Ensure your system has an Internet connection.
• Close Sage 50 (quit the program).
• Restart the computer (suggested when it has been running for a long time before you do so).
• During updating, make certain that no heavy installers or backup software are running.
• Provided that they are good, proceed to the step-by-step corrective actions.

Step-by-step solutions to fix the obsolescence message in Sage 2024

Step 1: Restart your computer and internet router

You can only change things after you have mastered the fundamentals:

• Close Sage 50 completely.
• Restart your computer.
• Reboot your internet router or internet modem.
• Reopen Sage 50.

There are occasions when the message would vanish when you just couldn’t connect to the internet again, or the program updates its verification.

Step 2: Run Sage 50 as Administrator and check for updates

This is among the easiest and most secure of fix the issue.

• Right-click the Sage 50 shortcut on your desktop.
• Select Run as administrator.
• After opening Sage, it will open to Services – Check now – Check for Updates.
• In case there are updates, please click on download and install.
• Close Sage 50 and restart it normally.

This makes the background updates, which may not have worked successfully previously, permitted to be installed or repaired by Sage.

Step 3: Replace the OBSRET.DAT file (manual repair)

In case Step 2 did not resolve that, you are probably dealing with a problem with OBSRET.DAT file – the little internal file which informs Sage whether your version is up to date. Here’s how to replace it:

1. Find your data path:
   • Open Sage 50 – File – Open Company.
   • In the window that opens, observe the column in the Directory, which is your data path.
2. Locate the OBSRET.DAT file:
   • Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
   • Navigate to your data path.
   • Search on OBSRET.DAT file.
3. Rename the old file:
   • Click on the file – Rename.
   • Change its name to OBSRET.OLD. (This keeps a backup.)
4. Download or get the updated OBSRET.DAT file:
   • See the Sage Knowledge-base or the Sage Support.
   • Observe which version of OBSRET.DAT to download depending on the version of the product: Sage 50 2024.
5. Simply drag the updated file and drop it into the same folder.
6. Restart Sage 50 in Administrator and update (as in Step 2).
7. Close and reopen Sage is the usual action that should be taken; the message should vanish now.

Step 4: Check your internet connection

Sage can also become convinced that your software is outdated in case the software cannot connect to its update servers.

• Turn on your browser and see whether you are able to access any site.
• In case your internet is good but Sage continues to show the error, make sure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking Sage.

This can be tested by briefly shutting off your antivirus (just a couple of minutes) and opening Sage 50. Add Sage 50 to the antivirus and firewall exception list and turn on protection again, in the event that the obsolescence message goes away.

Step 5: Confirm your Windows date and time

• Click with your right button on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
• Choose Adjust date/time.
• Now, turn on the automatic clock so that the time is set for you, and also turn on the automatic time zone so that changes in time zone lead to automatic detour.
• Close the window and press the power button again.

Open Sage 50 again, then one of the most frequent reasons for the warning is incorrect date/time settings.

Step 6: Repair Sage installation

When all the above do not work, then it could be possible that your Sage installation is partly corrupt. It is possible to repair it without the loss of company data.

• Close Sage 50.
• Launch Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and features.
• In the list, click on Sage 50 Accounting 2024.
• Right-click on it -> Select Change or Repair.
• Fix the problem with the help of the guidance provided on the screen.
• Restart your PC after ‍‌that.

Having repaired, go and open Sage once more and verify whether the message is cleared.

Step 7: Verify Sage support status

Finally,‌ if you have tried all of these and the message is still visible, you might want to check if your version is officially unsupported.

Sage does this from time to time by discontinuing support for versions like Sage 50 2021 or 2022 and urging users to move to a supported ‌release.

As‍‌ long as Sage 50 2024 is kept in good condition (which it is at the moment), the signal is simply that there is a local problem – no real end of support situation. Maybe your version is old; if so, you have to upgrade to the newest release to be able to get the ‍‌updates.

Prevention tips to avoid obsolescence warnings in the future

The following are easy preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of this problem:

Regularly check for updates

• Sage does not remind you, but manually visit
• Services -> Check for Updates -> Check Now every month.

Keep your firewall and antivirus configured correctly

You can add Sage 50 folders to the list of allowed programs to ensure that your security programs do not block updates in the background.

Ensure reliable internet access

The Sage updates automatically, and therefore, make sure that you have a stable connection.

Run Sage as Administrator periodically

Run Sage at least once as Administrator after Windows updates, as well.

Maintain consistent version numbers on all systems

When you are using Sage under multi-user mode, verify that all the computers and the server are at the same level of release and updates.

Plan for upgrades

Sage often provides 6-12 months’ warning of version obsolescence. Monitor Sage notices or emails and the community, and upgrade before your version lapses.

Note: Regularly install the latest patches. Here’s how to fix Sage 50 update errors.

When to contact Sage support

In case you have gone through all the above steps and still see the obsolescence message, then you need to contact Sage 50 Support or a local Sage partner. They can remotely authenticate your license files, refresh paths, or even supply the appropriate version of OBSRET.DAT file. Make sure that you are prepared to have the following information:

• Sage 50 version number (Help – About)
• The complete contents of the error message.
• The measures you have already put to the test.
• A screenshot of the message, where possible.

Conclusion

The obsolescence alert in the Sage 50 2024 can have a serious look, but in the majority of cases, it is provoked by minor technical problems – a lack of a file, internet connection, or update. With this guide, you can easily repair it by yourself without losing company data. The simplest solution and the most used is just to run Sage as Administrator and change the OBSRET.DAT file.

It is important to always update your system, have a good internet connection, and allow Sage to pass through your firewall. These practices will allow you to be certain that your Sage 50 will work flawlessly, and you will not see the obsolescence message in the near future.

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