How to update to later build

Budo · 21st July 2008

I am running Courier 3.5 Bld 1098. I would like to update to the current update/build Question is once I have downloaded this how do I go about installing this version. Do I uninstall old first then install new ? Install over ? I keep a current copy of my backup.
Windows XP Home
Budo

xeno · 24th July 2008

Hi, Budo, it depends on what you want to do. Installing over should work, or you could install it to a different location (and use a copy of your current box file just in case) if you just want to try out the beta and have it update that particular box file. The box files, or any shortcuts to them would then open in the beta, per registry settings, but a shortcut to version 1098 could still "browse" for your un-updated box files.

The reason I am inclined to suggest not uninstalling 1098 or installing the Beta over your current Courier folder is because I have used the Beta but went back to 1098. 3.5 is more stable and didn't inherit some new minor inconveniences the Beta has (preview in "pending" folder not updating, no mouse pointer change when hovering over links, and some strange behaviour between internal functions working on messages in rich text mail as opposed to plain text, and a few other less noticeable issues). The Beta doesn't actually have any new features, as its current (and last of this code of Courier) state was done only to make it more Vista friendly (although 1098 can work on Vista with some persistence). You're using XP so there is no benefit for you to use the Beta, but there would be new problems. This is why I suggest keeping an unconverted box file in case you want to revert back to build 1098 after playing with the Beta. If you like and plan on keeping the Beta, you can uninstall the previous version (may or may not require re-installing the new one to reclaim possibly altered registry entries).

I could have given you the simple answer to your question, but I just figured a little background info into the differences may matter.

The next version of Courier will actually be a re-branded Courier made from a completely different source code which may or may not resemble Courier as we know it at all.

Budo · 24th July 2008

Hi xeno
Appreciate your reply. I am inclined now to stick with Build 1098 and leave it at that.
To give you a background on why I was considering going to the later build, I am having an intermittent problem with Courier downloading mail from Dotster during scans and here is the message I would often get after a scan:
" Mail server responded: ' Message Not Available. Try Again Later.'
I would immediately do a manual check and the mail in that box downloads fine. This problem could occur with any of my mail boxes.
(My mail is deleted off the server when it is downloaded.)
I sent this problem explanation to Dotster and this is their reply:
"For all practical purposes the email package you have is being
phased out and you may want to upgrade your email
package."
"The package is a Mailx package and will no longer be serviced as
of the 1st of August."
Dotster is saying I have to upgrade my email package with them.
I had no previous warning from Dotster about this until I submitted this problem to them.
They don't make it easy

budo

xeno · 24th July 2008

Hi, Budo, I love how Dotster replied without actually addressing your specific concern, heh. I suppose it's possible that the phase out is causing intermittent mail retrieval failure (or network congestion is the reason for requiring upgrades). I'd think that timed auto mail checking and manual checking operate the same way as far as Courier is concerned, just at one exact moment it fails and another lets it succeed. I gather that since Dotster responded that the problem is moreso on their end than Courier's (and the Beta I wouldn't think would handle the function any differently).

If and only if you're interested in maybe checking out another mail provider (they offer fully functional reliable free pop3/smtp, SSL and regular, and a couple different levels of pay accounts have more benefits) then say so and I'll shoot you a PM linking the one I use. Chances are you probably want to keep using the email address all your contacts already have, just figured I'd ask just in case.

Anyway, I hope your mystery is solved .. and yes, it would be very nice if providers actually informed their customers of changes and problems in advance or at least regarding recent unforeseen ones, thus also saving them time from having to answer the same question individually and repeatedly. Oh well, there I go dreaming of an ideal world again.

Budo · 24th July 2008

Hi xeno
At this point I am definitely not going with the 1098 update, leave well enough alone sort of reasoning I guess. Really curious as to what might happen to email service if I make no changes as far as Dotster is concerned. They really didn't answer my question.
Would appreciate the link to another email server if you don't mind.
My daughter sent me a possiblitiy: http://www.namecheap.com/learn/webho...eb-hosting.asp
Will send you my email address.
Budo