I am on Linux Mint 18.2 (yes, I know that's old). I recently upgraded to version 9.7.96 of VueScan. This turned out to be a mistake. The previous versions always worked, but now VueScan won't start and gives this error message:

vuescan: /lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libm.so.6: version `GLIBC_2.27' not found (required by vuescan)

I tried contacting Hamrick software (makers of VueScan) and found out that their most recent build was on a different computer with a newer version of Linux. I got them to send me version 9.7.95, but the package installer won't install it because the newer version is already installed. Here are the options I can think of:

1. Perhaps the simplest would be to totally uninstall VueScan using the Software Manager, then install the older version 9.7.95. My fear here is that I will lose my license key. I saved the email from when I bought VueScan, so I can probably reinstall the key.
2. I could try upgrading libm.so.6, but I'm not sure how to do that, and whether that would break anything else.
3. I could try reinstalling a new version of Linux Mint and then install the latest version of ViewScan. This is what Hamrick software recommends. That would be an undertaking.

I am presently inclined to try option 1, unless there is a clean and simple way to do option 2. Option 3 is a last resort. I have done some web searches about upgrading libm.so.6, but have not found anything helpful. Any suggestions about any of these options, their relative merits, and how to do them?

Thanks,
John

Whatever you do you should not try to upgrade Linux Mint in place. You will almost certainly create an unworkable system on your first try and have a big hassle getting back to a workable and stable system. I suggest that you create a second Linux Mint system and dual boot until you get the newer system stable. If you create a dual boot the easiest way to create the new system would be a complete new install of the latest version of Linux Mint.

Well, I have solved the immediate problem. I finally got up the courage to follow option 1 in my original post. I used Software Manager to remove the installed version of VueScan. It hung at 75% completion and never said it finished, but it apparently did. Then I used the .deb file to reinstall the older version 9.7.95, which installed successfully. It even recognized my license key. This version works. I will not upgrade it again!

I will still probably have to upgrade Linux Mint eventually, but for now I am back in business.