Need advice about upgrading

  • Resolved blondie53185

    (@blondie53185)


    14 years, 9 months ago

    I have conundrum of a job request. Client is using ver 2.6.5.(Theme = Massive News Theme created by Jason Schuller, WPelements.com) Currently, I need to add analytics and the Google verify statement, xml sitemap download and All-In-One SEO. I suggested to the client that we upgrade to the latest release of WP because I didn’t see where we could automatically install plugins and do the update. This site is being hosted by the client’s brother – not sure if it is a hosting company or just someone’s basement.

    Here is the response from the webhost when asked for the FTP account information in order to perform the upgrade:

      an upgrade would be good. do i want to do it? no. biggest reason is that your theme will most likely break or portions of it will when the upgrade takes place.
      You will have to port over the databases – what you currently have to a new one as well.

    My concern is if I back up the installation and database; then do the upgrade via FTP and reinstall the database – what are the chances of the theme breaking and me not being able to reinstall the original version?

    I guess that I would like to know that I have a source of support to turn to, just in case I need it. I am not familiar with the actual code in WP.

    To do the upgrade or just install what I need to and move on? What would you do? Any volunteers for supporting me in this endeavor?

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
  • Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    Well, first of all, you won’t need to “port over the database,” so let’s get that out of the way first with the “semi-official” WordPress major upgrade path:

    1. Backup the files and the database.

    2. Download WordPress 2.7.

    3. Do a manual upgrade to WordPress 2.7.

    4. Repeat step 1, but don’t replace the previous backup (keep both on hand).

    5. Use WP’s automated upgrade to system to upgrade to 2.9.2.

    Now, regarding your main question, you will not be able to downgrade to a lower version of WordPress after upgrading. Your theme should work properly, but if you’re concerned, I recommend setting up a “test blog” by installing the current version of WordPress (2.9.2) in another directory (/testblog/ for example) and install Massive News on this blog. If everything works fine, you should be able to upgrade the primary blog and continue to use Massive News without any problems.

    Thread Starter blondie53185

    (@blondie53185)

    Thank you so much for holding my hand. I really appreciate the input!! ??

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    You’re welcome!

    Thread Starter blondie53185

    (@blondie53185)

    I am following these instructions. I ftp’d the WP files to a file on my desktop. Trying to be sure I have the .htaccess file. I cannot find it on my computer, nor on the server. Is it possible that it does not exist or that it has been renamed? This is version 2.6.5 I am speaking of.

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    If you set your FTP client to display invisible files, you should be able to see the .htaccess file. If you can’t find it, you’ll only need it for permalinks, which you can always re-save at Settings/Permalinks in your admin panel when you’re done upgrading.

    Thread Starter blondie53185

    (@blondie53185)

    Ah-ha – they were hidden. Found quite a few of them after I told my ftp program to show hidden files.

    Thread Starter blondie53185

    (@blondie53185)

    !!!! EMERGENCY !!!!
    I upgraded this site per your instructions with absolutely no problems. Now, the web host is claiming this site is throwing other sites off his network. Did you ever hear of something like this and how to resolve it? I have no idea where to start. My client’s site is operating just fine. https://heavenandearthacu.com

    The only problem I am having with the site is when I go to upgrade a plugin, I am prompted for a login and password for the FTP, (this is when I hit the auto-upgrade button). The password fails. I am not able to access the files of this site any longer through FTP. I assumed the host changed the password but was told this is not the case.

    Any help is appreciated.

    Thread Starter blondie53185

    (@blondie53185)

    The web host discovered that the file h6follow.txt was the problem. Any idea what this file does because he deleted. I guess it is time to troubleshoot the plugins. Anyone have a clue what may have caused this?

    Moderator James Huff

    (@macmanx)

    It sounds like your hosting account may have been hacked (shame on your host for blaming you). They did the right thing by removing the file and changing your FTP password. You should consider changing your other passwords as well.

Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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