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?

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