Upgrading vBulletin FAQ
From time to time the vBulletin team will release new vBulletin updates, be it major or minor it is generally best to upgrade as soon as possible, regardless of any hacks you have installed. We tend to get a bunch of the same questions over and over so I am going to list them all out and explain them right here.
Q. Should I make a backup before I begin?
A. Always, anytime you are going to be modifying the database you should make a backup, there are several methods of doing so, but only one is reliable. Please note that using php scripts, like phpmyadmin and vBulletin’s built-in system may not provide a full backup due to the limits of php’s configuration on your server. We suggest using SSH always.
A. No, not at all, in fact it is almost as simple as installing vBulletin.
A. Yes, but only if you are going from vBulletin 3.0.x to 3.5.0. vBulletin 3.5.0 has a newly formatted config file due to new options and readability. Make sure you use the new vBulletin 3.5.0 config file if you are upgrading from 3.0.x to 3.5.0
Q. Will I lose my custom templates?
A. This has goten more tricky espically for users who are going from vBulletin 3.0 to 3.5. The anwser is no, however you will need to take care and make sure that your templates are compatiable with vBulletin 3.5.x serries.
A. Yes, as upgrading does require that you upload new all the new files and run the upgrade script, however, as said above it will not remove templates. Once you are done with the upgrade you will need to reapply your file hacks. There may be more hips and tips available at vBulletin.org for your help.
Q. Will I lose my plugins?
A. The anwser is no, however there is always a chance that your plugin may no longer work, or may cause problems, I'd advise disabling plugins before upgrading to save any headaches that may be caused.
Q. My version number didn't change after I uploaded all of the files!
A. Thats because you have not upgraded! Untill you run /install/upgrade.php, vBulletin will not be upgraded. More on patching here
From time to time the vBulletin team will release new vBulletin updates, be it major or minor it is generally best to upgrade as soon as possible, regardless of any hacks you have installed. We tend to get a bunch of the same questions over and over so I am going to list them all out and explain them right here.
Q. Should I make a backup before I begin?
A. Always, anytime you are going to be modifying the database you should make a backup, there are several methods of doing so, but only one is reliable. Please note that using php scripts, like phpmyadmin and vBulletin’s built-in system may not provide a full backup due to the limits of php’s configuration on your server. We suggest using SSH always.
- Using SSH
- Using phpMyAdmin
- Using the Built-in vBulletin Backup Function
- AdminCP > Import & Maintenance > Database Backup
A. No, not at all, in fact it is almost as simple as installing vBulletin.
- Upload all the vBulletin files except the images/ folder and config.php.new. Make sure you upload these files in ASCII format and overwrite the ones on the server.
- Browse to mysite.com/forum/install/upgrade.php and enter your customer number
- Follow the directions of the installer script, and when done delete install.php
A. Yes, but only if you are going from vBulletin 3.0.x to 3.5.0. vBulletin 3.5.0 has a newly formatted config file due to new options and readability. Make sure you use the new vBulletin 3.5.0 config file if you are upgrading from 3.0.x to 3.5.0
Q. Will I lose my custom templates?
A. This has goten more tricky espically for users who are going from vBulletin 3.0 to 3.5. The anwser is no, however you will need to take care and make sure that your templates are compatiable with vBulletin 3.5.x serries.
- 3.5.0 "Gold"
- 3.5.0 RC 3
- 3.5.0 RC 2
- 3.5.0 RC 1
- 3.5.0 Beta 4
- 3.5.0 Beta 3
- 3.5.0 Beta 2
- 3.5.0 Beta 1
- See this thread For the 3.0.x serries.
A. Yes, as upgrading does require that you upload new all the new files and run the upgrade script, however, as said above it will not remove templates. Once you are done with the upgrade you will need to reapply your file hacks. There may be more hips and tips available at vBulletin.org for your help.
Q. Will I lose my plugins?
A. The anwser is no, however there is always a chance that your plugin may no longer work, or may cause problems, I'd advise disabling plugins before upgrading to save any headaches that may be caused.
Q. My version number didn't change after I uploaded all of the files!
A. Thats because you have not upgraded! Untill you run /install/upgrade.php, vBulletin will not be upgraded. More on patching here
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