upgrading mysql AND php...

[GrendelKhan{TSU]

ok... have to upgrade MySQL AND Php to latest version (or whatever) so I can upgrade forums from 3.0.6 (yikes!)

Questions:

Does one have to erase one's forum? (db and files) and have to reinstall from backup? forum has over 1mill posts and 50k members... so I want to careful.
Which upgrade first? PHP or MySQL?
How "safe" and "easy" is it for someone with no php/mysql direct tinkering experience, but computer competent (and very vbulletin comfortable)? If its pretty intensive risky prospect I'm thinking of just hiring someone to do it. (I know this is a judgement call. but assuming stuff is backed up.... is it easy/difficult is it to seriously mess things up?)
How much is reasonable? godaddy charges by the hour.
How long would it take? (roughly...if done smoothly). 1 hr? 10 hrs? more?
If anyone is interested in helping ... I'd be eternally grateful. please let me know!
but otherwise, any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[Eikinskjaldi]

Are you using cpanel? Both these jobs can be done in about 10 minutes.

No you dont have to erase anything. Do mysql first (since php needs the mysql libraries)

[Verbose]

First, don't use Godaddy for anything.. they lose domains and um.. apparently charge you by the hour for server maintenance. :) Especially if you are serious about your site/forums - and it sounds like you are if you have over 50K members. Trust me, get a REAL webhost (and while your at it .. move your domains to a different registrar like Namecheap, that isn't run by someone like this toolbox (http://www.bobparsons.com/2007.html)). :)

Last week, I had my host (Choopa.com) upgrade mysql, php, apache, etc etc. - it took them about 3 hours b/c they actually setup apache on a new box and copied all my sites and databases over. When they were done, vBulletin ran fine with no errors of any sort.

I run a dedicated box, so i don't share resources with other sites - whenever I need to upgrade or mess with the server, tech support is on it. I do NOT recommend you try to upgrade yourself, unless you know what you're doing and have backed up your database, etc. A good webhost will go a long way to keeping your sanity and peace of mind :)

[GrendelKhan{TSU]

First, don't use Godaddy for anything.. they lose domains and um.. apparently charge you by the hour for server maintenance. :) Especially if you are serious about your site/forums - and it sounds like you are if you have over 50K members. Trust me, get a REAL webhost (and while your at it .. move your domains to a different registrar like Namecheap, that isn't run by someone like this toolbox (http://www.bobparsons.com/2007.html)). :)

Last week, I had my host (Choopa.com) upgrade mysql, php, apache, etc etc. - it took them about 3 hours b/c they actually setup apache on a new box and copied all my sites and databases over. When they were done, vBulletin ran fine with no errors of any sort.

I run a dedicated box, so i don't share resources with other sites - whenever I need to upgrade or mess with the server, tech support is on it. I do NOT recommend you try to upgrade yourself, unless you know what you're doing and have backed up your database, etc. A good webhost will go a long way to keeping your sanity and peace of mind :)

thanks for the advice. yah, I'm a little put back by the fact they charge hr for support for dedicated. how long you been with choopa? is transfer difficult?

I've been avoiding this just cause I don't want to have to delve into. ugh. acutally considering moving somewhere with everything set-up all new versions. save the hassle and don't have to deal with godaddy anymore.

sigh.