Please read through the instructions below before undertaking the migration process.
We strongly suggest that the migration of MYOB AE is performed by an individual with a strong knowledge of these software products and is competent with the Microsoft Windows operating system. If you experience issues with MYOB software after following the instructions below, additional assistance with your migration may fall outside of the terms of your Sales and Service Agreement.
We provide a Migration Service. If you have any doubts or concerns about completing this migration yourself, contact your MYOB Client Manager and arrange for one of our technical services analysts to perform the migration for you. This service may require a booking, so please plan well in advance.
Due to the complexities of migration, the full process cannot be covered in a single knowledge base article. It is intended that this article be used in conjunction with the relevant installation Guide, which is included on the MYOB Accountants Enterprise and Series 6 or 8 download image, and that those guides be read prior to commencing the migration process.
.Net Framework 3.5 to 4.8 are enabled/installed on both Server and Windows machines.
Server 2016-2022: via Server Manager.
Server 2012: via Server Manager for 3.5 & 4.5, while 4.6 is a manual install.
Please ensure the C: drive and the drive that will be hosting the MYOB data is less than 1.8TB in partition size.
Check what MYOB AE products you are licenced for on your current server and you're installing the same version of MYOB AE that is currently installed on your existing server. Browse to \\servername\registration folder - Open AERego.exe and note down the products licensed as this will be required during the installation.
All ATO PLS reports on your old server have been unscheduled.
There are no tax returns with a status of Transmitting or Transmitted. If you have Transmitted or Transmitting returns, contact MYOB support for assistance.
Note down the my.MYOB Practice login email id.
Before you install MYOB AE, consult the System Requirements page to ensure your setup is compatible with the MYOB software.
If you have any issues with the above, we recommend consulting your IT provider.
1. Backup your MYOB AE data
You will need to copy certain directories and files from your old server to the new server to ensure all data is retained.
Copy the relevant files and/or folders listed below for each database in use. For example, if there are multiple tax databases - you may have AETAX1 and AETAX2 - ensure both are copied.
Place these in an easy-to-access temporary directory on the new server for now.
Locate the Series Database directory
Copy the folder listed as Database location
Sites with AEPM: Can be found at START > All programs > MYOB Accountants Enterprise > Compliance Management > Help > About > Application details.
Locating your templates and documents
In MYOB AE navigate to the Maintenance menu > Maintenance Map > Documents section. Note down any relevant paths under the following areas:
Document settings
Note the path for:
Document Creation Settings
Tax Receipts Algorithm
VAT Receipts Algorithm
Word Billing Algorithm
Mailing Settings
Billing Startup Path
Templates Path
Document Startup Path
Document Style Defaults
Tax Invoice Path
Document Styles
All selected styles
If these paths are still in use and you're unsure what these paths are for, refer to the help menu. Make sure the files in these locations are copied across to the new server.
2. Install SQL Server
Install SQL server on the new server before installing using the combined installer.
If you are licensed for Corporate Compliance (CC), set the traceflag -T4606 to the SQL instance. Instructions can be found in KB 35298 under "To set the traceflag -T4606 to the MYOBACCT instance for SQL 2012".
CC Users: Only follow the first section of KB 35298 to set the traceflag. Do not continue after Step 11.
Corporate Compliance: Restore the CorporateCompliance and SystemCatalog databases then, open the VPMSER or AEDB1 database and edit the SQL instance name in the dbo.Configuration table for the row titled CorporateComplianceConnectionString. Press the TAB key on the keyboard to tab through for the change to take affect.
4. Delete registered database identifier key
Open SSMS (SQL Management Studio).
In the AEDB database, go to the table pmo_SyncConfiguration.
Right-click the table and select edit top 200.
Delete the row with the registered_database_identifier key.
PutMsgOnDataQueue to ‘No’
Open SSMS (SQL Management Studio).
In the AETAX database, go to the table dbo.MsyncConfiguration.
Run the attached 'DeleteMSYNC_Triggers.sql script against AETAX database.
5. Pre-configuration and MYOBAE Data copy
Standalone install pre-configuration
Create MYOBAE folder on C:\ drive
Copy the data folders from old PC into C:\MYOBAE folder
Create AESQL folder inside MYOBAE and continue from Step 6.
Network install pre-configuration
Create the S6SYSTEM (can keep the existing sharename instead of S6system).
Create MYOBAE\AESQL folders under S6System
You will need to create a S6SYSTEM directory to store MYOB AE program and data files. This can be located anywhere on the server machine, or on another machine. You will need to refer the installer to this location later.
S6SYSTEM must then be shared and mapped as a network drive on the server and all workstations.
You will also need to create MYOBAE folders under S6SYSTEM and an AESQL folder under MYOBAE. This is so you end up with S6SYSTEM\MYOBAE\AESQL folder paths.
If this is a network setup: you must then share the S6SYSTEM folder before proceeding to install MYOB AE. The share and all subfolders must have full control allowed for the Everyone group. Consult your IT provider if unsure on this process.
6. Copy Document Manager and Intranet File Stores
If using Document Manager, you will need to copy across your Document Manager File Store (DMFS) and Intranet Data folder. For information, refer to KB 23595: Backing up MYOB Document Manager files for information.
You can copy the Document Manager File Store (DMFS) to where you want it.
Intranet File Store
· The Intranet File Store folders must be copied to the default location M:\MYOBAE\AESQL\Knowledge Management\Intranet\Data (Where M:\ is the mapped drive for S6SYSTEM share). You will have to first manually create folders for Knowledge Management\Intranet\Data under the AESQL folder.
If you copy over the Databaselookup.XML file that exists in both your DMFS and Intranet Data folder, you'll need to delete both XML files before you run the installer. If you have multiple MYOB AE databases, you may also have multiple file stores. Ensure these are brought across as well. For example, DMFS_AEDB1, DMFS_AEDB2.
7. Copy System Release folders
Copy the SOL64 folder to the new M:\MYOBAE\AESQL folder (Where M:\ is the mapped drive for the S6SYSTEM share) on the new server. Then rename the SOL64 folder to TAX.
If you're using Corporate Compliance, you'll also need to copy the ELS folder.
8. Install MYOB AE
Check what version of MYOB AE is installed on the old server and download that version from my.myob.com.au. When the download is complete, install that version of MYOB AE.
If you have copied the MYOBAE folder from the old machine to the new machine as part of the install, please ensure you rename the AESQL\Registration folder to Registration.Old. If you fail to do this, you will receive an error "License not valid for this computer" when using AE. To resolve, you will need to reinstall and redo the migration.
For sites where the S6SYSTEM share is located on a file server and SQL is installed on a SQL server, MYOB AE needs to be installed on the SQL server. Make sure you map the S6SYSTEM share on the SQL server before running the installer.
During the MYOB AE install you'll be prompted:
The MYOB AE Installation Wizard opens. Select the Accept the License Agreement option and click Next. The wizard continues. The installer does a system check to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements, and if OK, takes you to the Setup type selection.
Select Network or Standalone, as applicable and click Next. The wizard continues.
Select Existing data and click Next. The wizard continues.
Select Migration option from the wizard and click Next
For the Program file location of the MYOBAE folder. Select the path created earlier. For example, M:\MYOBAE (where M is the mapped drive for S6SYSTEM share)
Select your applicable products as noted before from pre-checks including Profiles to Practice Manager Integration and contact us to obtain the registration code.
If you are installing outside of Support hours, then click Temporary to complete the registration at another time. This will allow ONE user access for only 7 days until you register.
Enter a valid Registration Code for the displayed serial number & Number of users. The message "You have registered the following products successfully" appears.
Click Close. The registration process is complete.
The wizard continues and Select Yes for “Is your practice currently using SQL Server for AE Tax?”
You will be prompted to select your SQL instance (i.e. SERVER\MYOBACCT where SERVER is the server name) and click Next, the wizard continues.
Select Accountant Enterprise database i.e. VPMSER or AEDB1 and click Next to continue the process.
· Review all information to ensure it is correct from Ready to install screen, then click Install Now.
The required software components are now installed. This takes between 30 minutes to1 hour, but may take longer depending on the machine, and may require the computer to be restarted one or more times.
If you've licensed for Document Manager: at the end of the install, you will be prompted with the MYOB AE Document Manager File Store setup configuration menu. If your DMFS is on a remote server, deselect the run DM_Config.exe checkbox. You'll need to run the DM_Config.exe file on the DMFS machine from the location noted in the installer.
When pointing to the DMFS location, you must point it to a local path rather than a mapped drive.
At the end of the installation, a message about Open File warnings appears. Click OK.
Click the Finish button. The installation is complete.
System Release folder paths
Open System Services.
From within System Services, right-click on AETAX1 folder in the list and select Properties. The General tab of the Folderproperties window appears.
From within the General tab of the Folder properties window, press the TAB key to refresh.
Click OK.
Add the following string in the Registry
Go to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\MYOB\MYOBACCT Server” - Add String 'BYPASS_ACCOUNTS' registry key with a Value 'Yes'
Refresh System Services Links
Check that you can generate an estimate for each tax year from 2005 to the current Tax year. If you can successfully generate a tax estimate, skip this step. If nothing appears, the system services links needs to be refreshed. See KB 28980: Refreshing the System Services links in AE Tax.
Update SA Password in Control Record for Tax Letters and update Create/Update views
Open up a 2007 or later Tax return and follow the menu path Utilities > Control Record > Defaults. Enter the SQL password then press the ENTER key on keyboard twice to save.
To take effect, the ENTER key must be used. This password is used for Tax Letters.
Open a 2007 or later Tax return and follow the menu path Tax Letters > Create/Update Views and then press OK.
If using a Proxy Server, configure the Proxy.Config file.
Copy the series DATA folder into S6System share, find ae_tax.ini file in the DATA folder and rename that file to ae_tax.ini.old
Run the Series 6/8 Full Installer (6.51 or 8.35)
Then see the installation guide and details downloaded as per Step 2 above, ensuring you install to the program directory created earlier. E.g., M:\MYOB
Mostly this installer fails with 'Workstation didn't complete successfully' message. Continue with the error messages.
To fix we have to change 'Installed Component' in Module.ini (which is located in M:\MYOB\Bin’ folder where M is the mapped drive) to 65592. Eg: INSTALL_COMP=65592.
Now Re-runMYOB AE series installer to complete the setup, for a successful installation.
Clicking the Finish button the wizard should automatically resume with the Choose Database window listing the databases which were last upgraded.
Series Database Setup
On the Choose Database window, tick the checkboxes against all the databases
to be upgraded.
If all your existing databases are not displayed, click Browse for other Databases and locate the folder that contains the database files.
Click Next and the Database Setup Confirm window appears. Confirm that the details of the database to be upgraded are correct.
Click Next and the Database Backup window appears. Select No, database(s) have already been backed up as you have performed
online and offline backups in the Pre–installation phase.
Click Next and the Database Upgrade window appears with a progress bar indicating how the upgrade is progressing.
Click Finish to close the database upgrade. The install starts configuring the AE Tax Components. A number of message windows track progress.
Note: This process may take time and appear to and appear to hang. Do not interrupt this process.
The Database Setup message confirms the process has completed successfully.
10.Update Module.ini file
Open your module.ini located in your installed folders BIN folder e.g. M:\MYOB\bin
In the [DB_1] section at the end before the next section add the line VizIntegrated=1 as per example below:
From the Windows desktop, follow the menu path: Start > Programs > MYOB Accountant Enterprise > DataSafe. The DataSafe Utilities window appears.
Click Support Tools. The Solution6 Database Utilities window appears
From the Other Utilities section, select the following from the drop down menus provided:
Utility: Dbed - Edit Database Database: Database Directory (CDS.DIR) Client: No client (Practice file) Copy: Home Arguments: -t~
Click Run Now. The MS DOS window appears.
At the command line, type s config and press ENTER on the keyboard. The contents of the config table display.
The config table in the CDS.DIR file of the current year Compliance Database should contain the line 0~VIZ~ and NOT contain the line 0~HVZ~.
Enter the following commands (in bold) into the command window: d config with product(hvz) then press Enter - this removes 0~HVZ~ s config then press Enter - this will display that 0~HVZ~ does not exist u config then press Enter and the cursor will drop to next line ready for data entry 0~VIZ~ and press Enter . and press Enter - saves changes s config then press Enter - this will display that 0~VIZ~ exists q and press Enter - this will quit the DBED
11.Update Series Registration
Browse to M:\myob\bin\regiser.bat and Register the modules Accounts, Assets and Viztopia Compliance Integration, contact MYOB support for assistance to update the license using the internal tool.
12. Install Reporter if required
Install Reporter 3.5
Install Reporter workstation setup from M:\MYOB\Setup\reporter Integration\setup.exe
This install lays down a required DLL file. If you have customised your masters these will need to be copied over from the installed location off the old server so you retain changes.
13.If using AE Assets
Download the latest version of MYOB Assets from the my.MYOB website and install as per the installation guide
14. Update Corporate Compliance paths
If licensed for MYOB AE Corporate Compliance, you will need to choose a new CC Backup and ELS location.
To choose a new CC Backup location
On the server, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\MYOB\Corporate Compliance\Utilities
Open Backup.bat and go to Settings on the left, under Backup and Restore.
Click the Change button in the bottom right and navigate to your new CC Backup location. Press OK and close Backup.bat.
To choose a new ELS location
After you've chosen a new CC backup location, from within the Utilities folder, locate and open CCUtilities .exe.
On the left under Settings, click on Electronic Lodgment Path.
Click the Change button and navigate to your new CC ELS location. Press OK and close CCUtilities .exe. Your Corporate Compliance is now updated to the new server paths.
You’ll now need to log into AE and update your connection details
Open MYOB AE and log in.
Once you're logged into AE, follow the menu path Maintenance > Corporate Compliance > Settings.
Ensure the server name and database are correct, then click Update connection details to ensure the settings are saved.
15. Copy MYOB AE templates and documents
Copy across the templates, styles and documents copied from the old server as per step 1 into your new server.
Open MYOB AE and follow the menu path: Maintenance > Maintenance Map > Documents section.
Ensure all the paths at task one correctly match the locations on the new server. If required, change these paths in the software to match the files' location.
16. Disable and stop MYOB Practice Services on the old server/standalone
Make sure you've disabled the following services from the old server so the users don't access the data from the old server.
MYOB DM Portal Sync Service
MYOB OnTheGo API Service
MYOB Sync Client Service
MYOB Tax SBR Sender Server (VPMSER) (where VPMSER is the name of your database). If you have multiple databases, you'll see multiple instances of this service. Make sure you've disabled and stopped all the services.
Follow the steps below to disable and stop the services
From the desktop of your Server or Standalone, press and hold the Windows key and R on your keyboard.
In the Open field, enter services.msc and click OK.
From the list of Services, locate the service you want to disable and stop. For example, MYOB Sync Client Service.
Right-click the service and select Properties.
In the Service Properties window, select Disabled in Startup type. Click OK.
To stop the service, right-click on the service and select Stop. The service will show Disabled and the Status column will be blank.
Final Setup Processes
Following the successful migration of MYOB AE to the new server, there are a couple of things that need to be completed post install:
Download and apply any software updates as required from my.MYOB.
Log into MYOB AE and navigate to Maintenance > Backup > Schedule Backups and set up the backup cycle.
Perform a backup now via Maintenance > Backup > Backup Now to kick off scheduled tasks being active.
PMPlus - From MYOBAE follow the menu path Maintenance > Tax > Settings and ensure all settings are correct. Where incorrect, use the Edit Connection details button on the TASKS bar to correct the settings. Once completed, click Connect To Tax Database.
Run a workstation install as per the relevant section below:
Network setup:
If using existing workstations, uninstall any of the following that appear on the workstation:
Browse to M:\MYOB\SETUP and double click on the setup.exe file. This will start the workstation installation. At the end of the installation process ensure the workstation is restarted.
The workstation installation needs to be done on each workstation.
If the workstation is a pre-existing workstation you will need to amend the ceedata.ini manually post workstation setup or copy it from c:\windows off the new MYOB SQL server.
This can be located in different locations depending on your environment.
For windows 8, 8.1, 10, 11:C:\windows and C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Windows
For Terminal Server each user will have their ownunder%USERPROFILE%\Windowsfolder
If you're using...
MYOB AE Reporter: run the Reporter workstation setup located at M:\MYOB\setup\Reporter Integration\setup.exe
Log into MYOB AE as an Administrator user and follow the menu Maintenance > Maintenance Map > Online > Practice my.MYOB settings.
Enter your Practice my.MYOB login, password and MYOB client code in the relevant fields.
Make sure the Practice my.MYOB login that you enter is the same Practice my.MYOB login used on your old server. This login must have web administrator access on the my.MYOB website.
PLS setup:
Before you can set up PLS, you'll need to complete the steps in Update Practice my.MYOB Settings above.
If you're using...
To set up PLS...
CloudAUTH
Ensure you run through the onboarding process again after the migration to register your new SoftwareID with Access Manager. For steps, refer to the help centre topic: Lodgement manager setup
Symptoms you may experience after the MYOB AE migration:
If any error messages appear after the migration of MYOB AE, a list of possible explanations is provided below:
The configuration settings in the program and data directories may have been set incorrectly in the ceedata.ini file.
A non-certified environment may have been used for the new workstation.
A blank database path may have been selected during the database conversion process.
An incorrect path has been selected for the program installation for example instead of selecting M:\MYOB as the program directory you may have selected M:\MYOB\BIN.
The database conversion process may have not completed successfully.
The licence was copied over accidently resulting in invalid licence or your licence file is not valid for this computer.
The installed location e.g., MYOB\bin was copied over resulting in numerous errors about old server paths.
