Sage 50 Error This product update cannot be installed because this folder no longer exists.

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  • Cannot install update due to error: “This product update cannot be installed because this folder no longer exists or does not contain the correct version of Sage 50. Sage 50 was previously installed in the following folder: C:\Program Files (x86)\Sage 50. Uninstall Sage 50 and then re-install it to the location above. Do not move, rename or delete any files or folders. You can now install the product update.”
  • Can’t install update because the folder doesn’t exist
  • I get an error that a folder doesn’t contain Sage 50 when trying to install an update

Its Causes Can Be

  • You are running the wrong installer file
  • The installed Sage 50 program folder was manually renamed after its original installation
  • Wrong version is installed
  • Malwarebytes deleted some program files
  • Sage program is still open or other company files are open
  • The program is probably already installed
  • the issue can be caused by Registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Sage Software\Simply Accounting\YYYY\1\ (YYYY = Year\Version) missing.
    • It should include a Folder Path and Winsim regkey with path to installation

Method to Fix Is:

Method 1: Run the correct installer file

Run the full product installer file, instead of the update installer file.

  1. Go to the Download Portal: Sage 50–Canadian Edition: Download Portal
  2. Download and install the full version of the latest version of Sage 50 or go into C:\\Sage and run the latest installer file
  • Sage 50 is a product that gets a new version every year. For example: Sage 50 2021
  • Within the year, this version gets updated several times. For example: Sage 50 2021.1, Sage 50 2021.1.1, Sage 50 2021.2, Sage 50 2021.3
  • Installing a new version requires a full product installer.
  • Installing an update requires an update installer
  • This is how these 2 types of installer files look:
    SA_20xxCPUP1.exe => update installer
    SA_20xxCP1.exe => full product installer
  • Updates can only be installed if the full product of the corresponding version is already installed
  • For example: the 2021.1.1 update installer (SA_202111CPUP1.exe) will return the above-mentioned error if Sage 50 2020.2 is the most recent version of the software installed on your computer. You have to install the 2021.1.1 full product (SA_202111CP1.exe) instead
  • The full product always includes the latest updates

Method 2: Verify that you do not already have the latest version of software installed

  1. Go to the Control Panel
    • On Windows 7 Click on the Start menu, type Control Panel, hit Enter, Click on Programs / Programs and Features
    • On Windows 10, Right click on the Start menu and click Apps and Features
      • Check to to see if the version of Sage 50 appears on the list
  2. With the Sage 50 program open (if you are able to open it)
    • Go to Help, About Sage 50 Accounting
    • Check the version / release number

Method 3: Verify Sage is closed

  1. Verify that all company files are closed. If there are multiple company files open, when the first one is closed and customer approves the update, this error will occur
  2. Close all companies
  3. Run the update again
    • Update can be found at C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Sage Software\Simply Accounting\Download\

Method 4: Recommended re-install

  1. Uninstall Sage 50
  2. Install Sage 50.

Method 5: Wrong version installed

  1. Install the latest version that corresponds with the update being installed. See Article ID 74018: What download do I need?
  2. Verify that you can now install the update

Method 6: Anti Virus corrupting the download file

  1. Disable any Anti Virus programs, then download the Sage 50 installer file again and attempt the install. Bit Defender has been found to cause this error if running during the download

Method 7: Temporary fix

  1. Browse to to C:\Program Files (x86)\
  2. Locate the Sage 50 installation folder
  3. Rename Sage 50 <version> to Sage 50
  4. Install the Service Release
    • Refer to Related Resources “The product update does not run automatically” (10034)
  5. Rename the Sage 50 folder back to it’s original state
  • Sage recommends using Method 1 for a more permanent fix

Method 8: Export\Import HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Sage Software\Simply Accounting\2019\1

  1. Go to workstation where the Update installed successfully
  2. Open Registry (WinKey+ R, Type: Regedit, Press OK)
  3. Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Sage Software\Simply Accounting\YYYY (YYYY = Year)
  4. Right-click YYYY and choose Export. Save to network share
  5. Import Registry key on workstation where update failed
  6. Rerun update