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:
- 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
- Enter your sandbox Acctivate license credentials provided via email (NOT your main Acctivate license credentials.)
- Once installed, you can backup and restore the database from the old server. This article should help.
- 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:- If Acctivate is still installed and running, login to Acctivate on your OLD server (the one you plan to repurpose.)
- Click License Information from the Help menu
- Select the Remove License button at the bottom of the pop up window.
- Click Yes at the prompt, then enter your Acctivate ID and password for your Main Acctivate license to confirm removal.
- You can now re-register with the sandbox license credentials.
- 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!!!