For a long list of reasons I have not been able to use my CNC for a while, and am happy to be getting back at it.
My current installation is Mach4 Industrial version 4.2.0.4118 and Warp9 ESS version 232.

I am assuming I can simply update to newer versions without major issues -- is this a valid assumption?
And I know that -- at least in the past -- the official Mach4 release can be quite a bit behind from what many are using.  Looking for any advise as to what would be my best bet (version) in terms of upgrading.

Much thanks in advance -- Paul

Fwiw, I don't use any features not included in Hobby.

Don't fix what ain't broken.

Don't fix what ain't broken.

Sound advice 

Tweakie.

There is a bit of a kerfuffle WRT ESS plugins and Mach dev versions. If you read the Warp9 forum you can learn of this. This is making upgrading dev versions and ESS plugins a bit confusing, and your use of Industrial just complicates it a bit more. If the machine runs and you're relatively happy, I'd sit on it.

That said, if you DO want to venture into it, rename your Mach4 directory to something meaningful, like Mach4Industrial_4481, install a new version from scratch, then copy your license, profile, screens, plugins, etc, over to the new version, copy the new ESS plugin in, and try it. If you get stuck, some simple directory renaming gets you back.

Mostly depends if you want to play or if a working machine is more important!! Personally I've put a halt on Mach4 dev/ESS fiddling.

Ok I run industrial version of Mach4 with ESS

Just ran into a problem
I will tell you the problem the mill would home run fine until it got to a g17 line in the gcode the just stop no errors process timer kept on running ?

As I had a old hobby install I ran the code on that ran fine 😱

Ok thought I had a corrupt install as we have had severe lightning storms but the pc and mill was disconnected ie unplugged so renamed,installed copied lic file and profile fired up still stoped on g17 line

Anyway after much scratching on the nogin I dumped the hobby profile on the industrial now sweetness and light all ok

As I have (recommended) a full paper copy on a spreadsheet of the pin out and settings for the mill I did a complete ground up install

The reason for this ramble is do not trust a profile unless it’s completely proven it cost me a morning to sort it out

Now I said it may have been the storm but with Warp9td plugins requesting dev versions from the ftp site one of which has been pulled I had a crash to desktop that may have done the damage