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      Setting up a Sandbox server for testing

      A sandbox server is required to run a different version of Acctivate for testing and planning upgrades.

      Acctivate can be installed and set up in a test environment, which may also be referred to as a Sandbox server.  In order to install Acctivate "in a sandbox", you will need to register Acctivate using separate license credentials.

      Please contact your Acctivate Account Rep to request a Sandbox license. We offer a complimentary sandbox license to most of our larger customers.

      !!! IMPORTANT !!! You must disconnect from QuickBooks to avoid major synchronization conflicts:

      • QuickBooks Online: Immediately disconnect from QuickBooks Online after restoring the copy of your database using the Acctivate Database Maintenance app. Click here for the instructions.
      • QuickBooks Desktop: Clear the QuickBooks data file on the Database Info window in the Acctivate Database Maintenance app. Please contact our support team at support@acctivate.com if you have any questions.

      Setting up a new computer for your Acctivate sandbox:

      If you have a new computer or virtual machine that you'd like to use as a sandbox server, you can do so with these steps:

      1. Install Acctivate on the computer, ensuring you choose the "Server" version when asked by the installer. Download the latest version from https://acctivate.com/downloads
      2. Enter your sandbox Acctivate license credentials provided via email (NOT your main Acctivate license credentials.)
      3. Once installed, you can backup and restore the database from the old server. This article should help.
      4. Please remember to disconnect QuickBooks (see above)

      Repurposing an old Acctivate server:

      If your old Acctivate server still has an installation of Acctivate on it with a copy of your database, the steps to change it to a Sandbox license are very simple.

      If you recently moved Acctivate to a new server, the old server may still be registered to your live Acctivate license. To remove your live Acctivate license from your old server, you will need to un-register the application:
      1. If Acctivate is still installed and running, login to Acctivate on your OLD server (the one you plan to repurpose.)
      2. Click License Information from the Help menu
      3. Select the Remove License button at the bottom of the pop up window.
      4. Click Yes at the prompt, then enter your Acctivate ID and password for your Main Acctivate license to confirm removal.
      5. You can now re-register with the sandbox license credentials.
      6. Please remember to disconnect QuickBooks (see above)

      You should now have the Sandbox license on the old server and you are ready to start testing!!!