[GNC] Upgrading from 2.x

[Adrien Monteleone]

First, what operating system and version are you using? Windows, MacOS, 
Linux?

Newer versions of GnuCash will only work on newer versions of your 
operating system.

 From the main website:

"Version 2.6.21 is the last version for Windows XP/Vista and MacOS X 
10.8 and earlier, and so the last version that will run on PowerPC Macs."

and

"Version 3.11 is the last version for Windows 7 and MacOS 10.12 and 
earlier. "

The code that determines the appearance of GnuCash changed significantly 
between 2.6.21 & 3.0. That introduced some appearance issues in some 
cases, but all are fixable. Since you were able to update to 3.11 and it 
runs, I'd say you could at least get that far if you want. We can help 
with the appearance issues.

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The exact error message you are receiving would help us help you better.

If it is too much to type or it won't let you copy and paste it here, 
try taking a screenshot of that window and attaching it to a reply. (do 
not paste it into the message. Use your e-mail application's attach 
function)

There is such a thing as placeholder accounts, but those don't affect 
'folders', or stop you from accessing the file itself, they just prevent 
you from entering transactions in those placeholder accounts.

There is also something called a Lock File. That prevents you from 
accidentally opening the same GnuCash file using different computers or 
users at the same time. If GnuCash doesn't shut down cleanly, that 
lockfile can get 'stuck' and you will get that message next time you try 
to open it. (GnuCash normally deletes the lockfile when it cleanly 
closes) If you know the file isn't otherwise open, just click the option 
to Open Anyway and GnuCash will proceed as normal.

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As for the *need* to upgrade, that is up to you. There have been 
hundreds if not a few thousand bugs fixed since 2.6.21 as well as many, 
many other various improvements. But if you are happy with how 2.6.21 
works, I can't think of a compelling reason to upgrade otherwise. Though 
others here might have some good ideas to take into consideration.

Regards,
Adrien

On 12/19/23 9:32 AM, Dianna Broughton wrote:
> I've been using version 2.6.xx (11, I think) for a long time, but read the
> recommendation for everyone to upgrade to a newer version. I also read the
> recommendation to upgrade in steps from the last stable release of each
> version to the next: 2.6.21, 3.11, 4.14.
> 
> I was able to update to 2.6.21 without any issues. However, whenever I try
> to upgrade to 3.11 (I also tried 3.1), it doesn't work right. The font is
> very small, the appearance is wonky, and when I try to access some folders,
> it says it's not available and I need to take it out of placeholder mode
> (not exact wording) in order to access the file.  
> 
> Has anyone had problems like this? Any advice? I'm happy with the current
> version - do I really need to upgrade?