version library compatibility

Semco · 04-02-2023, 07:40 PM

I thought this would be a simple question, but I haven't been able to find anything. Are Calibre libraries compatible with multiple versions?
I have been stuck using v3.48 because the PC with Calibre is Windows 7, and really can't be upgraded. Now I find I need some features only available in new versions. I will install v6.x on a Windows 10 PC, but I would really like to still be able to use Calibre also on my Win7 machine. So, is the library backward/forward compatible? That is, can I use the same database with both versions?

ownedbycats · 04-02-2023, 07:42 PM

There's a major database change with version 5. You wouldn't be able to downgrade without at least some annoyances such as errors when deleting books and possibly db corruption later on.

I would suggest trying the Calibre content server and see whether that works for you. If so, you can run the new Calibre on your new computer and access the library through a browser on the older one.

Sarmat89 · 04-02-2023, 08:41 PM

You can use the latest 5.x version on Windows 7 BTW.

Quoth · 04-03-2023, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarmat89

You can use the latest 5.x version on Windows 7 BTW.

On some configurations of Win7.

Semco · 04-03-2023, 12:36 PM

Thank you all for your great responses!
I was told about - and had personal experience with - problems with versions later than 3.48. And now it turns out I can use v5. Amazing... and if this solution gives me problems, I can always try the content server.
Two more questions about the above:
Can 5 and 6 use the same database?
What specific configuration of Win7 is necessary?

ownedbycats · 04-03-2023, 02:16 PM

No database changes between those two versions. 6.0 added a full-text database which won't work on older versions but won't cause any issues.

I think there's some plugin incompatibility due to Qt being upgraded but can't quite recall the details.

JSWolf · 04-03-2023, 06:08 PM

You can use Calibre 4.23 as that version is compatible with the database change. https://download.calibre-ebook.com/4.23.0

You can also upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit and use Calibre 6.

04-02-2023, 07:40 PM	#1
Semco Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2017 Device: Nook Glowlight Plus	version library compatibility I thought this would be a simple question, but I haven't been able to find anything. Are Calibre libraries compatible with multiple versions? I have been stuck using v3.48 because the PC with Calibre is Windows 7, and really can't be upgraded. Now I find I need some features only available in new versions. I will install v6.x on a Windows 10 PC, but I would really like to still be able to use Calibre also on my Win7 machine. So, is the library backward/forward compatible? That is, can I use the same database with both versions?

04-02-2023, 07:42 PM	#2
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,976 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	There's a major database change with version 5. You wouldn't be able to downgrade without at least some annoyances such as errors when deleting books and possibly db corruption later on. I would suggest trying the Calibre content server and see whether that works for you. If so, you can run the new Calibre on your new computer and access the library through a browser on the older one. Last edited by ownedbycats; 04-02-2023 at 07:47 PM.

04-03-2023, 02:16 PM	#6
ownedbycats Custom User Title Posts: 10,976 Karma: 75337983 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Libra H2O, formerly Aura HD	No database changes between those two versions. 6.0 added a full-text database which won't work on older versions but won't cause any issues. I think there's some plugin incompatibility due to Qt being upgraded but can't quite recall the details. Last edited by ownedbycats; 04-03-2023 at 02:20 PM.

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04-02-2023, 08:41 PM	#3
Sarmat89 Fanatic Posts: 518 Karma: 2268308 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: none	You can use the latest 5.x version on Windows 7 BTW.

04-03-2023, 12:36 PM	#5
Semco Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2017 Device: Nook Glowlight Plus	Thank you all for your great responses! I was told about - and had personal experience with - problems with versions later than 3.48. And now it turns out I can use v5. Amazing... and if this solution gives me problems, I can always try the content server. Two more questions about the above: Can 5 and 6 use the same database? What specific configuration of Win7 is necessary?

04-03-2023, 06:08 PM	#7
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,758 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	You can use Calibre 4.23 as that version is compatible with the database change. https://download.calibre-ebook.com/4.23.0 You can also upgrade to Windows 10 64-bit and use Calibre 6.