I think you put your finger on the problem. I am on a shared hosting server which has version 5.4.45. I can upgrade php to 5.5 or 5.6 guessing that 5.6 would be the way to go. If I upgrade, will it screw up my functioning forums or is it safe to make a live change? Are there any precautions I need to take? I am on a shared hosting plan and the change is as easy as changing the active version.