How to install security patches? And site speed?
 

I am trying to upgrade from vbulletin 4.1.11 to 4.2.2 (I have never upgraded any of the previous security patches), but the instructions are quite confusing.

Please keep in mind I am a complete novice.

I downloaded the patch from the website, and then, in the set of instructions, it says I should change the name of the "upload" folder to match whatever name I gave to the directory containing my vBulletin files on my web server.

Is this my "admincp" folder? Should I name the "upload" folder "admincp"?

Would this destroy everything that is currently within my "admincp" folder in my FTP client?

The LAST thing I want to do is destroy everything I spent over a year working on.

My website is www.socialhulk.com. I'll actually have more questions later about how I can significantly increase the speed it takes to load my site. I went to one of those sites that measures load time and it was astronomical. I couldn't understand any of the suggestions the site made to speed it up.

You take the files from inside the upload folder ( dont upload the upload folder its self only what is inside it) and if you are going to 4.2.2 there are other fixes need to be put into place or you will get errors. If you need help i can watch u over skype and talk you over all steps. But some plugins and custom skins might not work so backup first

If you're upgrading, you just upgrade.

Download files
Extract files
Upload the extracted files in the upload folder, over your current sites files
Run the upgrade script.

Since he's already unsure about that, I'd rephrase that:

The patch is not enough. You need the full package, and there's no need for a seperate patch then.

Extract the package on your local PC, upload everything inside the upload folder to the root directory of your forum, overwriting all the existing files. Then run install/upgrade.php.

I may have a few minutes this week to walk you through if you can wait until maybe mid week. I will teach you how to do it. It is very easy.