Run Module Update error when updating Freeform (free) from 3.1.2 to 4.2.2

Question

I'm trying to update Freeform (free version) from 3.1.2 to 4.2.2

NOTE: I recently updated EE from v2.5.3 to v2.9.3

After I upload the new folders to the system and themes directories, and go to:

Admin > Modules > Run Module Updates

I get the following error:

A Database Error Occurred Error Number: 1054

Unknown column 'settings' in 'field list'

UPDATE exp_freeform_fieldtypes SET settings = '[]'

Filename: third_party/freeform/models/freeform_model.php

Line Number: 471

I've tried to revert back, by replacing the folders in system and themes with the old version and, then I get this error in:

Admin > Modules > Freeform:

A PHP Error was encountered

Severity: Warning

Message: Creating default object from empty value

Filename: addon_builder/addon_builder.php

Line Number: 1333

Fatal error: Call to undefined method Cp::set_variable() in /admin/expressionengine/third_party/freeform/addon_builder/addon_builder.php on line 1389

And now I'm stuck...

Answer 1

Ooo yeah you shouldn't have tried to revert. I ran into this issue upgrading a huge site; they literally just have a bug in the updater if I remember correctly. You just need to get the settings for the column from a previous backup, and make sure you create that column manually with the correct settings. Sorry, wish I could be more specific, but I don't have time to recreate the issue right now to give you a better answer.

But I would recommend reupdating FreeForm and then just manually creating that column.