When importing data into Sage Accounts, if a transaction has a US date format, you may receive the following file import error:

'***Cannot read the file, as it is open in another application***'

This issue may also occur if the date field is populated with 0 or nil or if the date entered is incorrect, for example 31 April.

As a workaround, correct the date format in the file, check if the file contains headings and import again.

If the same message appears, and there are no issues with the date format, the problem may be resolved by deleting the Options.ini file.

When an import takes place an Import Maps folder is created alongside Accdata in the data directory. The Import Maps folder contains sub folders relating to the type of import taking place, for example Audit Trail Transactions. Options.ini holds the mapped fields and is created in the sub-folder. This file may be deleted.

NOTE: If Options.ini is deleted and the import is tried again, the fields must be mapped manually, not loaded from an existing map. Once the issue is resolved you can load an existing map.

1. On the menu bar click Help then click About and in the Program Details area, make a note of the Data Directory.
2. In Windows Explorer browse to the folder before ACCDATA from the data directory noted in step 1. For example, if your Data Directory is c:\sagedata\ACCDATA, browse to c:\sagedata
3. Open the Import Maps folder and then open the folder for the type of import. For example, if you imported Audit Trail Transactions open this folder.
4. Right-click on Options.ini then click Delete then click Yes.
5. Try to import the file again.

If the issue still occurs at this point save the file as a CSV file and try the import again.