upgrading mysql AND php...
 

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

Questions:

1. 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.
2. Which upgrade first? PHP or MySQL?
3. 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?)
4. How much is reasonable? godaddy charges by the hour.
5. How long would it take? (roughly...if done smoothly). 1 hr? 10 hrs? more?
6. If anyone is interested in helping ... I'd be eternally grateful. please let me know!

but otherwise, any advise would be greatly appreciated.

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)

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). :)

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.