Last updated: March 7th, 2024

Understanding PVSW.LOC Errors in Sage 50 (Peachtree)

Sage 50, formerly known as Peachtree, is a popular accounting software that has maintained a loyal user base over the years. Despite its success, users may encounter various errors, including those related to the PVSW.LOC file. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of PVSW.LOC errors and offer step-by-step solutions to resolve them.

What is a PVSW.LOC File?

In a multi-user environment, the Pervasive engine in Sage 50 designates a single computer as the access point for the company's data. This designated computer, known as the master, is responsible for reading and writing data, while other computers send read/write requests to the master. Sage 50 creates a text file called PVSW.LOC (Pervasive Software) in the company folder to indicate which computer is the master.

Common PVSW.LOC Errors

PVSW.LOC errors can manifest in various ways, such as:

1. Error while creating a backup: "Sage 50 is unable to connect to its database Pervasive on computer (computer name)."
2. Error when opening an archived company: "Sage 50 is unable to connect to its database Pervasive on computer (computer name)."
3. Error while sharing a company file to Sage Drive: "Sage 50 is unable to connect to its database Pervasive on computer (computer name)."
4. Presence of a corrupt database Pervasive on the server.

Causes of PVSW.LOC Errors

PVSW.LOC errors can occur due to various reasons, including:

1. Incorrect computer name in one of the archived company files.
2. Using copy/paste to move data from one computer to another instead of backup/restore.
3. Incorrect data path.
4. Unset or incorrect server name.

Resolving PVSW.LOC Errors

Follow these steps to resolve PVSW.LOC errors related to the unavailability of a database engine:

Solution 1: Delete the PVSW.LOC File

1. Close the Sage 50 application.
2. Navigate to the location where the company file is stored.
3. Delete the PVSW.LOC file for the affected company.
4. Restart the Sage 50 application and check if the company file opens without error.

Solution 2: Create a Clean Data Folder

1. Uncheck the "Include Archives in the Backup" checkbox when saving a backup.
2. Click "OK" to save the backup.

Method 1:

1. Click "Maintain Company Information" and note down the directory path.
2. Click "OK" and exit Sage 50.
3. Navigate to the directory location and delete the PVSW.LOC file.
4. Close Windows Explorer and open Sage 50.
5. Check if you can open the archived companies and create a backup.

Method 2:

1. Create a clean data folder.
2. Copy and paste the following files into the new folder:
   • .DAT files
   • version.txt
   • KMSkeys.xml
   • KeysBackup folder
   • Attachments folder

Solution 3: Correct the Data Path

If the data path is incorrect, update it to the correct location.

Solution 4: Rectify the PVSW.LOC File

1. Browse to your data path.
2. Open the PVSW.LOC file in a text editor (e.g., Notepad).
3. Correct the server name if it is incorrect.

Solution 5: Resolve Corrupt Database Pervasive on the Server

If the server has a corrupt Database Pervasive, rectify the issue and check if the company file opens.

Solution 6: Ping the Server

If you receive a "Request timed out" error, seek assistance from your network administrator or an IT professional to ping the server.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I get an error saying Pervasive is open while deleting the .LOC file?

Stop the Pervasive service and restart it only before opening the Sage 50 application.

2. Can setting the network to Public on the server cause an error?

Yes, this can cause an error. Assign the server connection to the desired network profile or add exceptions to your firewall.

3. Are there any minor issues that can cause PVSW.LOC errors?

Yes, issues like a damaged Windows Management Instrumentation, having different versions of Sage 50 on the workstation and server, or firewall restrictions can also cause PVSW.LOC errors.

Conclusion

Resolving PVSW.LOC errors in Sage 50 (Peachtree) can be challenging, but following the step-by-step solutions outlined in this article can help you overcome these issues. If you require further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Fastfix247, who are ready to provide the support you need.