Updating my vBulletin
 

Hello,

I'm considering updating my vBulletin version from 3.0.3 -> Current ( 3.6.5 ).

I understand the process involved with updating vBulletin, I just want some tips on how to do this efficiently.

My forum is a fairly popular one and has a lot of traffic to it, so I need to know what the best way of converting my forum db and updating it would be.

Thanks for any help or feedback.

Well if you want to you can close the board for maybe a couple hours for the most, put a message saying you are going to upgrade.

Make a check list of all the mods you made to the board (template modifications) and check to see if your current mods are compatible with the new version of vBulletin.

If you want, you can make a back up of your MySQL database and file system just in case shit happens.

Download the upgrade files, follow the procedures and set it up.

Btw the latest vb is 3.6.8 not 3.6.5...There is also a 3.7.0 Beta 5 but that's a beta.

Thanks Bradly, I'm probably going to end up shutting it down for a while.

We'll see how it goes.

Thanks again, Mark

I always perform an upgrade on my test board first. It helps me find any little problems so I can fix them prior to upgrading my main site.

I have read that you should disable any mod. Does that mean you have to disable the plugin system before updating to a new vbulletin version?

From reading the manual I would go this route:

1. Shutdown forum.
2. Upload all files while replacing existing files.
3. Edit updated templates.
4. Edit updated phrases.
5. Test your new forum, especially if all mods still work.
6. Turn on forum.

But the manual does not say anything about installed mods, only customized templates and phrases are mentionened.

I have never disabled my mods when performing an upgrade. I have ended up turning some off after and upgrade and then replacing them with the newest version mod, but I have never felt the need to disable them for an upgrade.