Update Your MailStore Databases to Firebird 4 Now Before the Next MailStore Version Is Released!

Switch to MailStore version 24.4 now and update your MailStore databases to Firebird 4.

If you have not yet updated your MailStore databases to Firebird 4, now is the time to do so. Both the master database and the internal archive stores for email data need to be updated to Firebird 4 so that the switch to MailStore version 25.1 can take place smoothly in January 2025. If you do not update your databases to Firebird 4 and switch to MailStore Version 25.1, databases can no longer be loaded in MailStore Version 25.1. This means that the email archive cannot be opened and used.

We therefore recommend that you install MailStore version 24.4. This will allow you to update your databases to Firebird 4 and benefit from the latest software features of the current MailStore version. In January, you can then easily switch to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).

In the following instructions we explain how to proceed:

Instructions for updating MailStore Server to version 25.1

Instructions for updating MailStore SPE to version 25.1

Most Important Questions and Answers

Why do I have to update my MailStore installation to MailStore version 24.4 before I can switch to MailStore version 25.1 in January?

In MailStore version 24.4 (and in versions 24.3 and 24.2), you have the option of updating your MailStore databases (both the master database, which contains your configuration data, and the internal archive stores for email data) to Firebird 4. Updating the MailStore databases to Firebird 4 is a prerequisite for your MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025) to work properly.

What happens if I don’t update my MailStore databases to Firebird 4?

If you do not update your MailStore databases (both the master database, which contains your configuration data, and the internal archive stores for email data) to Firebird 4, databases can no longer be loaded in MailStore version 25.1. This means that the email archive cannot be opened and used.

Why does MailStore no longer support Firebird 3 and 2.5?

Firebird 3 and Firebird 2.5 have dependencies on old 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. MailStore has therefore also discontinued support for the old Firebird versions.

Can I update my MailStore databases to Firebird 4 in MailStore version 23.4 or older MailStore versions?

No, updating the databases (both the master database, which contains your configuration data, and the internal archive stores 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 will not only allow you to update your databases to Firebird 4, but you will also use the latest MailStore version and benefit from the latest software features. In January, you can then easily switch to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).

From which MailStore version can I update my databases to Firebird 4?

Updating the databases (both the master database, which contains your configuration data, and the internal archive stores for email data) to Firebird 4 is possible from MailStore version 24.2 onwards. We recommend that you install MailStore version 24.4. This will not only allow you to update your databases to Firebird 4, but you will also use the latest MailStore version and benefit from the latest software features. In January, you can then easily switch to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025).

Can I update from any older MailStore version to version 24.4 and then to MailStore version 25.1 in January?

Yes, this works. An older MailStore version must first be updated to MailStore version 24.4 in order to update the MailStore databases to Firebird 4. After that, the update to MailStore version 25.1 (available from January 15, 2025) can be carried out without any problems.

Can I update from MailStore version 23.4 or older MailStore versions directly to version 25.1 in January?

In order to use MailStore version 25.1, the databases (both the master database, which contains your configuration data, and the internal archive stores for email data) must first be updated to Firebird 4. This is only possible with MailStore versions 24.2, 24.3 or 24.4. We recommend installing MailStore 24.4. Not only will you be able to update your databases to Firebird 4, but you will also use the latest MailStore version and benefit from the latest software features. In January, you can then easily switch to MailStore version 25.1. If you do not update your databases to Firebird 4 and install MailStore Version 25.1, databases can no longer be loaded in MailStore Version 25.1. This means that the email archive cannot be opened and used.

Do I need a valid Update and Support Service contract to update to MailStore version 25.1?

Yes, it is not possible to upgrade to MailStore Version 25.1 without a valid Update and Support Service. A valid Update & Support Service also gives you access to technical support via MailStore Software GmbH or your local partner. Further information can be found here.

What do I have to do if my Update and Support Service has expired?

If the Update and Support Service has expired and reactivation of the Update & Support Service is desired, an “upgrade” must be purchased. An upgrade costs 70% of the list price of the existing user licenses and is therefore considerably more expensive than an extension. The term of the new Update & Support Service begins on the date of purchase of the upgrade.

What happens if I don’t update 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 on important security updates. This article explains why up-to-date software is so important.

If you still have questions, our support team will be happy to help you.