Sage 50 Bob Error 5185: Troubleshooting and Solutions for Seamless Reconciliation

Sage 50 Bob Error 5185: Troubleshooting and Solutions for Seamless Reconciliation
5 min read
12 December 2023

Encountering a Sage 50 Bob Error 5185 can be frustrating for small business owners and accountants who rely on Sage 50 accounting software. This error typically appears when trying to reconcile accounts or make adjustments, halting your workflow. But there are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and resolve the Sage 50 Bob Error 5185 to get back on track.

What Causes the Sage 50 Bob Error 5185

The "Bob Error 5185" in Sage 50 indicates there was an unexpected error involving the reconciliation adjustment process. Some potential causes include:

  • Corrupt company data file resulting from a power outage or improper shutdown
  • Incorrect permissions settings on data folders preventing access
  • Outdated version of Sage 50 software with bugs
  • Conflict with other programs running on the computer

Essentially the software runs into an issue when trying to calculate and post reconciliation adjustments. Tracking down the specific trigger can help zero in on a solution.

Troubleshooting Steps for Fixing Sage 50 Error 5185

If you encounter the Sage 50 error 5185 during reconciliation, there are several systematic troubleshooting steps you can take:

Confirm Background Programs and Permissions

Close out of any other software programs running in the background that could interfere with Sage 50. Also check that the Windows user account has full admin permissions to access all Sage data folders.

Validate Latest Software Updates

Make sure Sage 50 is updated to the newest available version and install any patches to address bugs. An outdated version prone to errors could be the issue.

Review and Correct Company Data

Use the Sage 50 rebuild utility and data checker to identify and replace any corrupted data. Also ensure no files are in use by another program.

Retry Reconciliation

After taking those steps, create a backup and try reconciling the same account again in Sage 50 to see if error persists.

Contact Sage 50 Support

If the error 5185 continues even after troubleshooting, contact Sage Support online to report the persistent issue or consider consulting with a Sage business partner.

Best Practices to Avoid Sage 50 Bob Error 5185

While running into the Sage 50 Bob Error 5185 can be unavoidable even when reconciling carefully, implementing some best practices can help avoid data issues:

Close Other Programs Before Sage 50

Don’t allow other demanding software programs to run concurrently with Sage 50 to prevent potential conflicts.

Use a Surge Protector

Use an extra surge protecting power strip for any computer running Sage 50 to maintain clean power during outages and prevent data damage.

Backup Daily

Create a daily backup of Sage 50 company files and data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or separate device in case recovering data is needed.

Install Updates Promptly

Stay current by enabling automatic updates for Sage 50 or routinely checking manually for the latest updates and version upgrades.

By taking preventative measures and following troubleshooting steps, overcoming the frustrating “Sage 50 Bob Error 5185” during reconciliation adjustments is certainly achievable. Staying calm, retracing your steps, and contacting support if needed can get your business accounting back on track.

When to Call in a Professional for Sage Error 5185

If you have worked through all troubleshooting recommendations but the Sage 50 error 5185 persists, it may be time to call in an expert. A support professional can analyze additional aspects like:

Sage 50 Database Structure and Optimization

An analysis of the back-end database structure powering your Sage 50 installation could reveal issues with how data syncs between modules triggering the error.

Network Configuration

A review of how Sage 50 integrates with your overall IT network setup could uncover configuration problems, port and firewall conflicts, VPN problems etc.

Customization and Integration Conflicts

If you utilize customizations, third-party add-ons or handle importing data from external sources, incompatibilities could be sparking the error 5185.

While DIY troubleshooting helps resolve many common issues, a Sage 50 specialist has additional training, resources and experience to pinpoint elusive, complex reconciliation problems. Calling them promptly when stuck can mean less downtime for your accounting and numbers workflow.

Also Read: Sage Backup Error

Key Takeaways on Resolving Sage 50 Error 5185

Having to suddenly handle the abrupt Sage 50 Bob Error 5185 during reconciliation can certainly be stressful. But by methodically trying the outlined troubleshooting techniques, checking your reconciliation steps, and contacting customer support if warranted, you can overcome this error code in most cases to restore accurate business accounting:

  • Methodically rule out software conflicts, permission issues, corrupt data, and outdated versions as potential error triggers
  • Leverage built-in Sage 50 utilities like rebuilding data and the data checker to correct files
  • Institute preventive practices like closing background programs, maintaining clean power, backing up data, and installing software updates
  • Seek assistance from experienced Sage 50 support professionals whenever advanced diagnosis and troubleshooting is needed

Staying proactive and having a plan when facing Sage 50 errors enables you to limit any disruption and get reconciliations back on track. With the right mix of patience, prevention, and troubleshooting, you can conquer Sage 50 error codes like 5185 when they arise.

In case you have found a mistake in the text, please send a message to the author by selecting the mistake and pressing Ctrl-Enter.
Mark James 2
Hello, I'm Mark James. With 5 years of experience in sage technical support, I have in-depth knowledge of Sage products and proven ability in resolving technica...
Comments (0)

    No comments yet

You must be logged in to comment.

Sign In / Sign Up