Windows Configuration: What You Have to Set Up

Folder and Share Name

Before configuring the computer, a folder for the company data must be created.

Note: If you work with more than one company data file, you should create a unique folder for each file for security purposes. Do not place multiple files in one folder that is shared with different users.

Depending on your Windows operating system, use the following configuration information so your computer or server can securely share company data to Sage 50 Accounting users.

ClosedWindows Vista

To enable File and Print Sharing:

  1. On the Start menu, point to the Control Panel, Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Center.
  2. If network discovery is off, expand the section, click Turn on network discovery, and then click Apply. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.
  3. If file sharing is off, expand the section, click Turn on file sharing, and then click Apply. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.
  4. (Optional) If printer sharing is off, expand the section, click Turn on printer sharing, and then click Apply. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.
  5. Right-click the file or folder that you want to share, click Share, click the arrow, select the Sage 50 Accounting users that should be able to access the company data, and then click Share.

You may also have to ensure that Windows Firewall isn't blocking File and Printer Sharing.

  1. On the Start menu, point to the Control Panel, Security, and then select WindowsFirewall.
  2. Click Allow a program through Windows Firewall. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.

  3. In the Program or port list, make sure the File and Printer Sharing check box is selected, and then click OK.

Note: The previous information applies to all versions of Windows Vista. For further information, consult our online knowledgebase or your Windows documentation.

ClosedWindows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10

To enable File and Print Sharing:

  1. Windows 7: On the Start menu, point to the Control Panel, Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Center.

    Windows 8, 8.1, and 10: Right-click the Start button, point to the Control Panel, Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click Change advanced sharing settings.
  3. If network discovery is off, click Turn on network discovery, and then click Save Changes. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.
  4. If file and printer sharing is off, click Turn on file and printer sharing, and then click Save Changes. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.
  5. Right-click the file or folder that you want to share, click Share with, click Advanced sharing..., and then click Specific People.
  6. Select the Sage 50 Accounting users that should be able to access the company data, and then click Share.

You may also have to ensure that Windows Firewall isn't blocking File and Printer Sharing.

  1. Windows 7: On the Start menu, point to the Control Panel, System and Security, and then select WindowsFirewall.

    Windows 8, 8.1 and 10: Right-click the Start button, point to the Control Panel, System and Security, and then select Windows Firewall.
  2. Click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall. If necessary, enter the administrator password or provide confirmation.

  3. In the Allowed programs and features list, make sure the File and Printer Sharing check box is selected, and then click OK.

Note: The previous information applies to all versions of Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. For further information, consult our online knowledgebase or your Windows documentation.

ClosedWindows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2

If you store your company's data on a Windows 2008 server, you need to enable File and Print Sharing and configure your Network and Sharing Centre settings. You also have to create a user account so that users can access the folder where your data is stored.

To configure Network and Sharing Centre settings:

  1. On the Windows server 2008, login as the administrator.
  2. On the Start menu, point to Control Panel, Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Centre.
  3. Open the Sharing and Discovery drop down, and then select NetworkDirectory.
  4. (Optional), If Network Discovery is off, select it, click Turn on network discovery, and then click Apply.
  5. (Perform this step once windows has established a network connection to the Internet). In the Set Network property sheet, select Private, and then click OK.
  6. Open the Password Protected Sharing drop down, select Turn on password protected sharing, and then click Apply.
  7. Open the File Sharing drop down, select Turn on file sharing, and then click Apply.

To enable File and Print Sharing:

  1. On the Start menu, point to Control Panel, Security, and then select Windows Firewall.
  2. Click Change Settings.
  3. On the Exceptions tab, click File and Print Sharing, and then click OK.

To create a user account:

  1. On the Start menu, point to Program, Administrative Tools, and then click Computer Management.
  2. In the Systems Tools folder, expand Local Users and Groups, and then select Users.
  3. On the Action menu, select New User.
  4. Enter a user name, description and password.

    Note: The password must be a minimum of six characters, and must have one capital letter and one character that is not a letter.

  5. Clear the User must change password at next logon check box.
  6. Check the Password never expires check box, click Create, and then click Close.

Accessing Data on a Windows Server From a Client Machine 

If your network is set up as a Workgroup (peer to peer network) or Domain: 

  • Map the network share path to a drive letter on the client machine. Refer to Microsoft's online help for instructions on how to do so.
  • Login to the server using an account that is defined on the server.
ClosedWindows Small Business Server 2008

If you store your company's data on a Windows Small Business 2008 server, you need to enable File and Print Sharing and configure your Network and Sharing Centre settings. You also have to create a user account so that users can access the folder where your data is stored.

To configure Network and Sharing Centre settings:

  1. On the Windows server 2008, login as the administrator.
  2. On the Start menu, point to Control Panel, Network and Internet, and then select Network and Sharing Centre.
  3. Open the Sharing and Discovery drop down, and then select NetworkDirectory.
  4. (Optional), If Network Discovery is off, select it, click Turn on network discovery, and then click Apply.
  5. (Perform this step once windows has established a network connection to the Internet). In the Set Network property sheet, select Private, and then click OK.
  6. Open the Password Protected Sharing drop down, select Turn on password protected sharing, and then click Apply.
  7. Open the File Sharing drop down, select Turn on file sharing, and then click Apply.

To enable File and Print Sharing:

  1. On the Start menu, point to Control Panel, Security, and then select Windows Firewall.
  2. Click Change Settings.
  3. On the Exceptions tab, click File and Print Sharing, and then click OK.

To create a user account:

  1. On the Start menu, point to Program, Administrative Tools, Active Directory, and then click Users and Computers.
  2. On the Action menu, select New User.
  3. Enter a user name, description and password.

    Note: The password must be a minimum of six characters, and must have one capital letter and one character that is not a letter.

  4. Clear the User must change password at next logon check box.
  5. Check the Password never expires check box, click Create, and then click Close.

Accessing Data on a Windows Server From a Client Machine 

If your network is set up as a Domain: 

  • Map the network share path to a drive letter on the client machine. Refer to Microsoft's online help for instructions on how to do so.
  • Login to the server using an account that is defined on the server.

Published: June 21, 2016
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