Sage 50, previously known as Peachtree Accounting, is a popular accounting software used by small and medium-sized businesses to manage their finances. Users of Sage 50 may occasionally encounter the error message “Error 1628: Failed to initialize license module.” This error prevents you from opening or using Sage 50, so it needs to be addressed promptly. Here are the common causes of Sage 50 error 1628 and step-by-step solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue on your computer.

Why Does the Sage 50 Error 1628 Occur?

The Sage 50 error 1628 occurs due to issues installing or validating the software license required to run the program properly. Typical reasons for error 1628 to show up include:

• Corrupted system files related to Sage 50 licensing
• Outdated, expired, or wrongly configured license
• Conflicts with anti-virus or firewall software
• Connectivity issues contacting the Sage licensing server
• Incorrect date and time settings on your computer

Once Sage 50 is open and running, the error may occur if you try to access a restricted feature based on your license type.

How to Fix Sage 50 Error 1628

There are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the Sage 50 error 1628 on your Windows computer:

1. Restart Your Computer

Restarting your PC will clear any temporary glitches so Sage 50 can reload properly on start up. Do a full shutdown and restart before trying to open Sage again.

2. Validate Your License

Use the Sage 50 licensing manager to review your license details. Make sure your license is correctly activated, paid for, and not blacklisted. Also check it has not expired.

3. Check Date and Time Settings

The error can sometimes occur if your Windows date and time settings are incorrectly set or do not match the Sage activation server settings. Adjust the date, time, and time zone on your computer if needed.

4. Update Your Sage 50 Software

An outdated version of Sage 50 and its associated system files can cause problems validating your license correctly. Go to Help menu > Check for Updates to download the newest major and minor versions.

5. Reinstall Sage 50

If the above steps don’t work and Sage continues to show error 1628, you may need to uninstall and freshly install the program again. Be sure to backup your company files first for safety.

6. Reset Licensing Components

Occasionally a full reset is needed to clear previous configurations causing conflicts. Go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Locate and uninstall “Sage 50 Direct Deposit Component” and “Sage 50 License Administrator” then reinstall.

7. Allow Access through Your Firewall/Anti-Virus

Overprotective security software can block access to the licensing server or system license files. Add exemptions for Sage 50 .exe and components if needed. Temporarily disabling your Internet security software may also help isolate if it’s the cause.

If these troubleshooting steps do not successfully remove the Sage 50 error 1628, contact Sage technical support who can review your specific configuration and logs in more depth to pinpoint the cause.

Also Red: Sage 50 Error 1603

Avoiding Sage 50 Error 1628 in the Future

Once you have Sage 50 opening properly again, these proactive maintenance steps can prevent future 1628 errors:

• Set up automatic monthly software updates for the latest fixes
• Periodically validate your license under Help menu > Activate Product
• Maintain correct date/time on your computer and Sage server
• Renew licenses before expiration date
• Limit changes to security software blocking potential Sage access
• Schedule regular backups of your company files

Catching and addressing small Sage 50 issues early leaves you confident everything is configured properly and a critical error halting your ability to invoice or run payroll won’t sudden disrupt your business!

Staying proactive on maintenance keeps Sage 50 running smoothly for the long run. But if the Sage error 1628 does creep up again, use the troubleshooting checklist outlined here to methodically diagnose the licensing issue and get back to managing your business finances.