How To Upgrade WordPress
Filed Under: WordPress
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New blogger’s usually dread it when new versions of WordPress come out. Because they are not comfortable with the upgrade process and it can be risky. I know nothing strikes fear in the heart of a blogger like making a change and your blog disappearing or becoming unreadable.
I don’t have this issue because I use DreamHost and they have easy one click upgrades. But I know other people have had these issues. I was recently reading Skellie’s blog, skelliewag and I found this great article 9 Things That Drive a Blogger Crazy.
One of the things she talks about is fear of upgrades; below is a copy of her guide:
Skellie’s thirty-second how to upgrade Wordpress guide:
- De-activate your blog’s plug-ins.
- Open the .zip file for the version of WP you want to upgrade to.
- Cut the WP-Content folder and wp-config-sample.PHP from the .zip file and Paste them to your Desktop.
- Save the .zip file and double-check those files are gone, then upload the .zip to your blog’s root directory, unzip and overwrite the files on your server with the files from the .zip.
- Upload the contents of folders wp-content, plug-ins and themes into the same folders on your server, but not the folders themselves. Uploading the folders will overwrite your theme, plug-ins and any customizations you’ve made
- After you’ve done that, visit this URL immediately and finish the process:
http://example.com/wordpress/wp-admin/upgrade.php
Skellie is not only a prolific writer but both of her blogs are packed with some great information. If I were giving out homework assignments I would say to spend some time reading Skellies blogs, and taking note of her writing style and how she really goes in depth with each topic.
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Mademind | Apr 8, 2008 | Reply
thx, this helped me much.
Mademind’s last blog post..Tips to Improve your Search Engine Rankings
Chanya | Apr 8, 2008 | Reply
This is very timely. Just thinking about upgrading Wordpress makes me nervous. I just got the guts to upgrade to version 2.3.3 using Fantastico (via BlueHost) this past weekend. BlueHost didn’t have version 2.5 available so I may use these instructions to manually perform that upgrade. Thanks.
Chanya’s last blog post..Niche Sites, Search Traffic, and Say No to Amazon
Delor.es.Defacto | Apr 9, 2008 | Reply
I have tried the WP automatic upgrade plugin but it didn’t work for me. I’m sort of glad though because I would much rather have things under my control when upgrading. Besides, I’ve heard way too many negative comments about WP 2.5, so I’m sticking with 2.3.3 for now.
Delor.es.Defacto’s last blog post..I’m like a trash can holding all the information
Emma | Apr 9, 2008 | Reply
@Mademind-I’m glad the post was helpful.
@Chanya-I hope it works out for you. I haven’t tried this exact method, but I beleive Skellie is a reliable source. I’m still using the one click upgrades from DreamHost which I always rave about. Although this will be changing soon because I just purchased a reseller account from HostGator. I’m slowly but surely implementing Vic’s advice. I actually prefer having more control and understanding why I’m doing things so I think this will be better in the long run.
Emma | Apr 9, 2008 | Reply
@Delor.es.Defacto
I agree with you on the having control. I don’t think everything should be dumbed down, it actually makes things more difficult in the long run.
I haven’t had any problems with 2.5 besides the fact that the new interface is taking some time to get used too. But as soon as I’m used to it I’ll probably like it better.
Also one of the coolest new features I’ve noticed is that it’s just one click to update your plugin, instead of downloading, unzipping, and uploading the new file.
That right there is a time saver, because it seems like some plugins, like all in one SEO pack, update almost every week. That being said I’m glad I know how to update manually, although the new way is a huge time saver.
Bodybuilding Blog | Apr 11, 2008 | Reply
The automatic wordpress update plugin works great. I updated 13 wordpress sites with no problems from 3.3.2 to 3.5 .
Bodybuilding Blog’s last blog post..MSG (Glutamates) in Protein Powders Dangerous?
Rasterbator | Apr 23, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for sharing the guide to upgrade wordpress. I am new in wordpress, so it is really useful to me!!
Nishu | May 2, 2008 | Reply
Yeah I too love the way skellie write .. Infact I try to implement her ideas on my blog too..
Thanks for posting the guide .. I use blue host .. I am not sure how to use one click update .. when I try it .. it says “your blog will not work if you proceed :D”"
SCARY!
Nishus last blog post..An Interview with Alan Johnson (theratingblog.com)
zohai | May 20, 2008 | Reply
Just remember to backup all your database before you give it a go =) And good luck for those who are trying. Haha!
Southwest Rugs | May 25, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for the well presented and informative post on Wordpress. Please do keep it up. All the best.
irish gifts | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
Backup your database first then you can upgrade your WP. That is important, i agree with zohai. I got some bad experiences on this.
Mikes | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, i have successful upgrade my WP!
Mikess last blog post..Free sugar candy is better than sugar candy and why
Save Youtube Videos | Jun 24, 2008 | Reply
Agreed, with the rest.
Do remember to make a back up before doing any upgrading of your WP
And, All the best!