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Pastel Partner and Xpress backups (.zip)

Convert a Pastel backup to CSV and Excel.

Upload the backup zip from Sage Pastel Partner or Pastel Xpress (some people call it Pastel Express) and Accounter reads the company files for you. Review every table in your browser, then download CSV files that open in Excel or can be mapped to your new accounting software. You need the backup file, not a working Pastel install.

The self-serve Pastel converter is not open yet. Need your data out of Pastel now? Our team can help.

Ask about Pastel conversionHow it works
  • Every table to CSV, with a manifest
  • Balance checks before you download
  • Backups up to 64 MB

What you get from your Pastel backup

Every table in the backup

One CSV per table that Pastel's data dictionary describes, using Pastel's own field names. A manifest lists each table, its row count and whether it was fully decoded, partly decoded or dumped raw.

The core accounting tables

General ledger transactions, open items, tax (VAT) transactions, ledger accounts and balances, customers, suppliers, the period calendar and inventory with quantities.

A two-year import set

Nine ready-made CSVs (chart of accounts, customers and their balances, suppliers and their balances, ledger transactions, trial balance, inventory items and inventory balances) for loading two financial years into new software.

How it works

  1. Find your Pastel backupUse a backup .zip of one Pastel company that you already have, or zip the company folder.
  2. Upload it to the Pastel converterSign in to your free Accounter account and upload the zip, or use Quick convert for a single zip download.
  3. Review the tablesCheck row counts, warnings and the trial balance check in your browser.
  4. Download your CSVsDownload one table, or every table and the import set as one zip.

Checks we run before you download

Each conversion checks that the number of rows read matches the record counters inside your Pastel files, that ledger transactions net to zero, that the rebuilt trial balance balances and that last year's result matches the figure Pastel stored. Anything that doesn't pass is listed in the warnings file, so check those before you rely on the figures.

Keep your Pastel history after you leave

Migration services usually load your opening balances and a limited number of years into the new system, and the rest stays locked in the Pastel backup. Exporting every table to CSV gives you a readable copy of what the backup holds, for your records or your accountant, without keeping a Pastel licence just to look things up.

Moving to Xero, Sage Business Cloud or another system?

Xero, Sage Business Cloud or another system: the CSVs keep Pastel's field names, so map them to the import templates of your new system. The two-year import set is the easiest place to start. Pastel to Xero or Sage Business Cloud: your options

Accounter: moving to Accounter? We can help load your opening balances. Pastel to Accounter conversion

What the converter can't do yet

  • It can't read Pastel Evolution (SQL Server) data.
  • It can't read backups in newer Pervasive or Actian Zen formats, compressed files, or owner-protected (encrypted) files.
  • It doesn't load data straight into Xero, Sage or QuickBooks. You import the CSVs yourself.
  • Some tables may be only partly decoded. The manifest marks them.
  • The review screens and the import set cover the last two financial years in the backup.

Your data

  • The uploaded backup zip is deleted when the conversion finishes.
  • Each data set stays in your Accounter Hub for 30 days so you can review and download it, then it expires and is removed. You can delete a data set yourself at any time.
  • Only members of your Accounter team can see your data sets.

More in our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

More on the free tools hub.

Can I convert a Pastel backup to Excel without Pastel installed?
Yes. Upload the backup zip that Pastel Partner or Xpress created, and Accounter reads the company files directly. You don't need a Pastel licence, a Windows PC or the Pervasive engine. You download CSV files, which open in Excel, Google Sheets or LibreOffice. Pastel Evolution backups aren't supported.
What data comes out of a Pastel backup?
Every table the backup's data dictionary describes is exported as its own CSV, including the general ledger, customers, suppliers, open items, tax transactions and inventory. A manifest file lists each table with its row count and marks any table that was only partly decoded, so you can see exactly what came through.
Does the converter check that my figures balance?
Yes. Each run checks that row counts match the record counters inside the Pastel files, that ledger transactions net to zero and that the rebuilt trial balance balances. It also compares the prior-year result with the figure Pastel stored. Any failed or partial check is listed in the warnings file before you rely on the data.
Can I import the CSV files into Xero or Sage Business Cloud?
Not directly. The files keep Pastel's own field names, so you map them to Xero's or Sage's import templates. The two-year import set gives you a chart of accounts, customer and supplier balances, ledger transactions and a trial balance in one consistent layout to start from. Our migration guide explains each route.
Do I need an Accounter account?
Yes. The converter runs inside the Accounter Hub, so you sign in to upload a backup, review the tables and download the files. Data sets belong to your Accounter team, so only its members can see them. Creating an Accounter account is free.
How long do you keep my Pastel data?
The uploaded zip is deleted when the conversion finishes. The extracted data set stays in your Accounter Hub for 30 days so you can review and download it, then it expires and is removed. You can delete a data set yourself at any time from the converter page.
Which Pastel versions work?
The converter reads Pastel Partner and Xpress company data stored in the Btrieve 6 file format, which is what the backups we tested use. Newer Pervasive or Actian Zen formats, compressed or owner-protected files and Pastel Evolution aren't supported yet. If your backup can't be read, the converter tells you the run failed.

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Last reviewed 29 October 2026