upgrade to 3.6.8 patch level 1

[njoker555]

well today i downloaded my whole forum backup and upgraded it on my computer as a test since i've never upgraded before. They tell me to upload all the non-image files to overrite them and was also told that all modifications made to forum will be deleted - but all my modifications seem to be working, would that be right? or did i screw up some place to install - i know i edited the index

is there a way to detect plugins and products that show errors or done work without testing all of them one by one ?

help and understanding appreciated - i will be upgrading my real forum tomorrow

[slappy]

upgrade to 3.6.8 patch level 1 has only two "modified" files. class_bbcode.php and version_vbulletin.php. You can "upload" these two files to your Production server without making "any" changes to the appearance and functionality of your Production board if you only upload these two files.

These two files are available in a "patch" from vbulletin or as part of a "complete" version version 3.6.8 patch level 1. You would find them in the upload folder in the /forum/includes folder. Uploading just these two files will not change the "look and feel" of your Forum at all.

The "full" upgrade would not overwrite your plug-ins and/or products, and since nearly all the files are identical to the "regular" version 3.6.8, should not affect their functionality.

Where you could notice some difference is if you go into your AdminCP, you should see "vBulletin 3.6.8 patch level 1" at the top. You probably would also see, if you look in the right place a notice of templates which it might be telling you would need to be "reverted" to standard 3.6.8 templates. However, since it was already apparently working fine with your modifications, you wouldn't need to actually do any reverting.

Generally, when you are planning an "upgrade," it would benefit you to download your Styles in XML files and save them on your local computer. The Style templates are where most of your "modifications" to the "look and feel" of your Forum will be made. Then, after uploading the new version files, you always have your various Styles XML files to "reinstall" your modifications. Sometimes, with an upgrade, the templates themselves might be altered, and then you would really need to attempt to apply your previous changes to the "new" templates.

vBulletin has a facility to assist in this effort. When there are actual new templates, it will give you a way to "compare" the "old" and the "new" which allows you to actually see where the code is "different" between the old and the new and it is color coded to show was is "different", what was "removed" and what has been "added."

Again, at this moment, the "safest" thing to do is just upload the two "new" files and continue to play with your localhost version for practice. ;)

Regards,

[njoker555]

well im on 3.6.7 lol so i'll have to go with that full update dont I?

and for my templates it showed updates on my testboard - so i won't revert them, i'll just view and fix them, i've done it before, doesn't take that long :)

thank you!