Hey folks,
I have recently purchased a new computer to act as my server. While it runs on Windows 11, my terminals are still running on Windows 7. I haven’t updated my Samba since about 2018… it runs really well for what we need and I have the mentality of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I’m curious if anyone knows which was the last release of SambaPOS 5 that could run on Windows 7.
Also, is there a way to download older versions?
Thank you!
I can confirm SambaPOS v5.5.4 runs on Windows 7, I installed that for a customer a couple years ago and they’re still using it fine. Their server is running on Windows 10 IoT, just one of their older terminals that they previously had was still on Windows 7, but that version runs perfectly fine.
I am not 100% if the latest version doesn’t run on Windows 7 or it’s just not officially supported anymore (since Windows 7 is well past it’s end of life for support). But I think I read somewhere that the version of .net framework needed was increased at one point and that version wasn’t compatible with Windows 7.
Have you tried just installing the latest version of SambaPOS on Windows 7 to see if it works?
AFAIK, SambaPOS is using .NET Framework 4.6.x so there shouldn’t be an issue.
I know .NET Framework 4.8.1 won’t install on W7 but 4.8 should (maybe with some tinkering).
SQL Server compatability could be an issue if SambaPOS is using SQL Server features found in versions after 2014.
Hey Mark,
Thank you for the info. I had downloaded the latest version of Samba on a terminal running Windows 7 and I was given an error message upon installation stating that it was not compatible.
I’ll give V5.5.4 a go and see if that works.
Thank you Memo. Good to know. If we need to troubleshoot then this is a good place to start. We are currently using SQL 2012
I spun up a VM to test and here are the steps for installing on W7:
First, follow the top reply on SO for adding root certificate to verify the installer:
Second, install two updates via the Windows Catalog - allows Windows to validate files using SHA2:
Reboot
Download .NET Framework 4.8 offline installer and install:
https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2088631
Install SQL Server <= 2014
Install SambaPOS 5.7.22 (latest)
Amazing. Thank you!
Do you know if the SQL Server needs to be 2014 or could 2012 be used instead?
@memo wow thanks for your effort for setting up a VM and testing this out. This is really useful info to know for future reference if anyone ever comes up against a Windows 7 terminal that can’t be upgraded but needs to use latest SambaPOS.
I think I do recall having to manually install .NET Framework 4.8 using the offline installer now you mention it, it was a couple years ago when I installed for that customer with v5.5.4.
He mentioned his server was running Windows 11 so even SQL Server 2022 should still work in this case from the Windows 7 terminals as they’re just connecting to the DB on the server.
I would however recommend you upgrade to the latest SQL Server 2022 as 2012 is long past it’s end of life and it’s never recommended to continue using any software past end of life on a computer connected to the internet as no security updates will be released for any exploits found after end of life.
Remember to take a backup first before you upgrade to SQL Server 2022 just in case you run into any issues and need to revert back to 2012.
Also on a side note, even it runs, those Windows 7 terminals will no longer be getting windows updates or any security patches for any exploits found. It’s not an ideal situation long term to keep using an outdated operating system.
If you are using Home / Pro / Ultimate edition of Windows 7 I am pretty sure there are still “legitimate” upgrade paths to upgrade to Windows 10 for free (albeit I haven’t checked for some time) and then to Windows 11, assuming your hardware still meets the minimum system requirements of the new operating system. Just do one terminal at a time when your business is quiet and you have time.
