Update Your MailStore Databases to Firebird 4 Before the Next MailStore Version is Released!
Now upgrade to MailStore version 24.4 and update your MailStore databases to Firebird 4. If you have not yet updated your MailStore databases to Firebird 4, now is the perfect time to do so. In order for the transition to MailStore version 25.1 to be seamless by January 2025, both the main database and the internal archive stores for email data must be updated to Firebird 4. If you do not update your databases to Firebird 4 and do not upgrade to MailStore Version 25.1, the databases will no longer be loadable into MailStore Version 25.1. This means that the email archive will not be accessible and unusable.
Therefore, we recommend that you install MailStore version 24.4. This allows you to update your databases to Firebird 4 and to take advantage of the latest software features available in the current MailStore version. In January, you can easily upgrade to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).
The following instructions explain how to proceed:
Instructions for upgrading MailStore Server to version 25.1
Instructions for upgrading MailStore SPE to version 25.1
Most Important Questions and Answers
Why do I need to upgrade my MailStore installation to MailStore version 25.1 in order to move to MailStore version 24.4 in January?
In MailStore version 24.4 (and versions 24.3 and 24.2), you have the option to update your MailStore databases (both the main database containing your configuration data and the internal archive storages for email data) to Firebird 4. Updating your MailStore databases to Firebird 4 is a prerequisite for the correct operation of MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).
What happens if I do not update my MailStore databases to Firebird 4?
If you do not update your MailStore databases (both the main database containing your configuration data and the internal archive storages for email data) to Firebird 4, the databases can no longer be loaded into MailStore version 25.1. This means that the email archive would no longer be accessible or usable.
Why does MailStore no longer support Firebird 3 and 2.5?
Firebird 3 and Firebird 2.5 have dependencies on older Microsoft C++ runtime libraries (2010 and 2013). Microsoft has discontinued support for these runtime libraries, meaning that security updates are no longer available for these versions. Therefore, MailStore has also discontinued support for the older Firebird versions.
Can I update my MailStore databases to Firebird 4 from MailStore version 23.4 or earlier versions of MailStore?
No, updating your databases (both the main database containing your configuration data and the internal archive storages for email data) to Firebird 4 is only possible from MailStore version 24.2 onwards. We recommend that you install MailStore version 24.4. This not only allows you to update your databases to Firebird 4 but also enables you to use the latest MailStore version and take advantage of the latest software features. In January, you can easily upgrade to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).
From which MailStore version can I update my databases to Firebird 4?
Updating your databases (both the main database containing your configuration data and the internal archive storages for email data) to Firebird 4 is possible from MailStore version 24.2 onwards. We recommend that you install MailStore version 24.4. This not only allows you to update your databases to Firebird 4 but also enables you to use the latest MailStore version and take advantage of the latest software features. In January, you can easily upgrade to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).
Can I upgrade from any older MailStore version to MailStore version 24.4 and then to MailStore version 25.1 in January?
Yes, this works. To update your MailStore databases to Firebird 4, you first need to upgrade an older MailStore version to MailStore version 4. After that, the MailStore version 25.1 update (available from January 15, 2025) can be carried out without any problems.
Can I directly upgrade from MailStore version 23.4 or earlier versions of MailStore to MailStore version 25.1 in January?
To use MailStore version 25.1, your databases (both the main database containing your configuration data and the internal archive storages for email data) must be updated to Firebird 4 first. This is only possible with MailStore versions 24.2, 24.3, or 24.4. We recommend that you install MailStore version 24.4. This not only allows you to update your databases to Firebird 4 but also enables you to use the latest MailStore version and take advantage of the latest software features. In January, you can easily upgrade to MailStore version 25.1. If you do not update your databases to Firebird 4 and do not install MailStore version 25.1, the databases can no longer be loaded into MailStore version 25.1. This would mean that the email archive would no longer be accessible or usable.
Do I need a valid Update and Support Service contract to upgrade to MailStore version 25.1?
Yes, it is not possible to upgrade to MailStore version 25.1 without a valid Update and Support Service contract. A valid Update and Support Service also provides access to technical support via MailStore Software GmbH or your local partner. You can find more information here.
What should I do if the period of my Update and Support Service has expired?
If the period of your Update and Support Service has expired and you want to reactivate it, you need to purchase an "upgrade." An upgrade costs 70% of the listed price for your current user licenses and is therefore much more expensive than an extension. The new Update and Support Service period starts on the date of purchase.
What happens if I do not upgrade to MailStore version 25.1?
If you do not update to the latest MailStore version, you will not only miss out on the latest software features but also important security updates. This article explains why up-to-date software is so important.