And still: did you include the Kicad 7 libraries with your install and have you looked at them yet? 
Hi, there is a question I’d like to ask. Do you want to keep the original project unchanged or do you want to modify it and create new gerber files?
In the first case, in 4.0.7 I would create a custom library from the layout as all the footprints are included in the project.kicad_pcb file. Then, I would open the project in v7 and use that custom library. Maybe kicad will ask you if you want to convert your custom library to v7. I cannot test it now.
In the second case, you may want to use the standard v7 libraries. The process is the same but after opening the project with v7 you should update each one with the v7 libraries.
Chipping in somewhat - from reading multiple posts and answers from the forum - generally speaking it seems the safest cause of action is to upgrade sequentially especially with the older versions
So for 4-5-6-7 not 4-7 or even 4-6
Hello pedro,
Blessing my friend.
My whole intention was to carry my project from 4.0.7 into version 7.0.7.
I am doing my best to recollect what the many functions of Ver 4 were. The version 4.0.7
is ancient and there are all kinds of advise floating around. How would you create your custom library pedro? And how do you update a new version of kicad’s libraries. “with v7 you should update each one with the v7 libraries”
Thanks my friend
Will001.
I agree Docara. Please keep in mind that my gerbers from the affected projects are safe and intact. I tried to upgrade to 7 just to see if I could. I appreciate each and ever one of you who work hard at your own projects, and how you all have expressed your desire to help me in one way or another. It’s this type of group that has made Kicad what it is today. I far as I can tell, that is quite something, considering just how far Kicad has come. Everyone should be dang proud.
Will001
Thank you paulvdh for the information,
I am digesting everything I have received from those trying to help.
FYI , I was and am trying to keep all libraries from 4.0.7 going into 7.0.7.
This version will be my last as I will be 78 years old this year and have some health issues.
7 is all anyone would ever need, knowing that programs like Freecad etc etc are available.
Blessings my friend
Will001
Actually jmk, I have not had time yet, but I am headed in that direction. Thanks
will001
Your suggestion is how I plan on doing it. Please keep in mind like some I am struggling to remember how kicad worked. I have been using easy EDA for sometime because it was convenient. Thank you for your help.
Will001
In pcbnew File-> Export → Footprints to new library (or footprints to library or something like that). At least in v6, the lowest version I can run in my computer.
Your custom libraries cannot be saved in the same folder as the standard libraries. Save them somewhere under your /home/your_user.
About updating to v7 footprints, it can be done in some ways after opening the project in v7.
One of them is running the Footprint assigning tool in the schematic and replace the footprints with the ones of v7. Maybe some rework of all tracks must be done.
Or save the custom library created in v4.0.7 as v7 (there should be some tool to do it, I have never done it). In this case I think no track reworking is needed.
Hi @pedro
I was trying to find out if @wil001 has successfully downloaded Kicad 7, complete with its libraries, before worrying about the personal libraries. 
But Janek, I was answering how to make a library with the footprints from his 4.0.7 layout…
Hi @pedro ,
Sorry, I was worried about information overload for Wil001. He was struggling with the results of 7.0.8 installation on windows.
We were using the message system most of the day and all seems to be good now, except, of course, the hugeeeeeeee changes in the program.
I’d suggest the opposite. That is, upgrade frequently, to keep up with the latest improvements and changes.
This actually avoids being hit with all the problems that you faced in trying to upgrade from a quite old 4.0.7 to the latest 7+.
KiCAD is an awesome EDM tool, that continues to grow in features and usability. Any software that is worth a grain of salt is continually seeking to improve. If that involves letting go of some of the old way of doing things, in order to move forward to a better foundation, then make it so!
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Yes I agree. I jumped the gun a bit earlier and apologize to the programmers and the community.
Will001
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I think most here are regular users. Since updates are free we just recommend doing the upgrade if you aren’t in the middle of a project. Yeah, we do know things don’t always go well. We stress that we are all here to make the product better in one way or another.
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Just wanted to stop in and say thank you @pedro . I got both version working side by side. Still have the issue with 7.0.8 not having errors reading 4.0.7. However I know what the problem is and will be working to fix it when I have some extra time.
Thanks again my friend
Will001
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KiCad V6 was a big change. It also replaced all the icons and that does get some getting used to. The difference between KiCad V6 and V7 is not so big. Some functions have been added, but it mostly works the same as V6. But apart from the new functions, existing functions are also being improved. The algorithms behind the interactive router for example are continuously being tweaked and perfected. Bugs also get fixed and the experience of using KiCad is just slowly getting smoother over time.
But in a few years time another big GUI update with dock-able menu’s is being expected. But until then I expect it’s mostly incremental small things, and new functions that you can either ignore, or may find handy to use anyway.
Adding to software in some ways is fairly straightforward, however, sometimes data structures need to be changed and this can really mess up previous versions if there is no conversion program. Sometimes you can spend more time on conversion programs than the main program itself.
KiCad allowing parallel versions and disk space cheap enough now allows me to create a new projects folder for each version and just copy the older version over and then open it with the newer. This means that the older versions are untouched and I can update without the risk of bugs spoiling the project
FWIW, I’ve learned to always create PDF’s and Gerbers of old projects (not just Kicad). This way at the minimum I have a document of the design / document / etc.
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