Coupon Module --Installed but not working

Hi, I've created tons of coupons in the past, but none lately

Though my coupon module is installed, when I go to Gift Certificates/Coupons/Coupon Admin. I now just get this text :

1054 Unknown column 'coupon_zone_restriction' in 'field list'
in:
[select coupon_id, coupon_code, coupon_amount, coupon_type, coupon_start_date,coupon_expire_date,uses_per_user,uses_per_coupon,restrict_to_products, restrict_to_categories, date_created,date_modified, coupon_active, coupon_zone_restriction from zen_coupons where coupon_active='Y' and coupon_type != 'G' limit 0, 20]
If you were entering information, press the BACK button in your browser and re-check the information you had entered to be sure you left no blank field

I'm a novice and am hoping it's an easy fix. Thank you!, jill

Looks like a missing / corrupted table in the database.

What version of ZC are you using?

Did you do any upgrades since last using coupons? (ie: does your code version match your dbase version?)

Thx for your response!

My friend has been doing updates & i know he's done at least one months ago. Don't think i've attempted a coupon since then.

At the top of my adminhome page, it states "your database appears to need patching to a higher level"

when i go to Tools/Server/version Info, in bold letters it says: Zencart 1.3.8a
Patch level 1.3.5

below that i guess this is the history? Here it is:

v1.3.5 [2008-01-24 22:53:06] (Version Update 1.3.0.2->1.3.5)
v1.3.0.2 [2008-01-24 22:53:04] (Version Update 1.3.0.1->1.3.0.2)
v1.3.0.1 [2008-01-24 22:53:04] (Version Update 1.3.0->1.3.0.1)
v1.3.0 [2008-01-24 22:53:04] (Version Update 1.2.7->1.3.0)
v1.2.6 [2005-11-29 06:29:13] (Fresh Installation)

Thank you!

As I thought... a mismatch in your code version and your dbase version. I'm surprised a lot more hasn't gone pear-shaped!

Get your database up to the same version as your code files.

Thank you!

Okay, so the database patch level must be 1.3.8a as the current zencart version. I see tools/install SQL patches. Is this where I start? I'm not advanced in this area and am afraid i'll screw it up. I don't even know how to backup my database! If it's a long and detailed process, should I look in the online manual and try to figure it out ? "My IT helper" friend is not returning calls! Thanks, Jill

Safest way is to follow the UPGRADE procedure, and I think all you need do in your case is grab a copy of 1.3.8a and unzip it to your hard drive, but instead of FTP up the whole pack of folders for 1.3.8a, you'll just need to FTP the zc_install folder - as your site already comprises the 1.3.8a file sets. (zc_install contains all the SQL patches, and the php files for the upgrade.)

But before you run the UPGRADE, be absolutely sure to read this:-

https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/index.php?article=108

I cannot emphasise enough the need to backup your database before running the upgrade. If you are not experienced at this, then rather let someone with better knowledge do it for you.