[davidw]

As posted over at vbulletin.com http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showp...41&postcount=2

It is always good to have a backup of your files/database before doing any type of upgrades or maintenance in case anything goes wrong. Since this is going to be your first upgrade, then you might want to consider a few things.

1. There is a file called vb3_readme.html in your download. This contains an area called Upgrading from a previous version of vBulletin 3. Open up this file and carefully read it before doing anything.

2. There is a file in your /includes/ folder on your website called config.php. If you don't already have a copy of it saved on your computer (as a backup), download this file and open it up in your text editor. This will assist you with the information you need for your installation as part of step 1 above.

3. The installation is very self-explanatory and you will be required to delete a file (install.php) before you can re-enter you admincp.

4. While you can do the upgrade when you forum is running, it would be very wise to turn off your forums until you are done upgrading. You can do this in the Admincp => vBulletin Options => vBulletin Options => Turn Your vBulletin On and Off. This may and can prevent problems (such as MySQL errors caused by users on your board).

5. After you have upgraded you may have to run maintenance, which will usually be told to you if necessary during the upgrade, and you will most likely have to make template edits and/or reverts if any changes have been made.

The main thing is to read the instructions. You can't go wrong there.