Upgrading to a newer Version, Creating Backup Tutorial?

[whacker]

Hi
I was just curious whether or not it would be possible to just replace certain files when updating to a newer Version...?
I suppose if the Database structure changes that might be a problem!!
When I updated to 7.1 I just created a new Installation rather then Upgraded...., this unfortunately forced me to enter some new data in the new installation.......

I read through your Readme. and I was a little confused so maybe I'll try and step through this this time!!!
I've copied part of your Readme file and will insert my comments as I go along

UPGRADING FROM PREVIOUS VERSIONS
Before upgrading you should make a backup of the database
with the php-residence backup system and save backup.php,
otherwise you could LOSE ALL DATA!

Step 1 clik "Configure and Customize"
Step 2 clik "Backup System"
Step 3 clik "Create backup file"
this will create a backup, backup.php and place it in the dati folder and you should see a note saying 'file created 'with a button "Go back"
Step 4 clik "Go back"
Here you will see a number of Options one of which is 'View the file'
Step 5 clik "View the file"
This will retrieve the file (backup.php), in my case from a Remote Server.
Extract the file and Save it somewhere, on your computer, as you may require it later...
Step 6 Delete all the files and folders for PHP Residence, except the dati folder and it's contents.
Step 7 Copy all the files and folders of the new Version except the Dati folder and its, contents.... I use WS_FTP95.
Step 8 Access the Main Menu, ***/*****/****/inizio.php, as administrator , if activated and Clik on 'Update'
This will take a bit as the database is updated an that should be it ..



Thanks Walter

Also check that the new
required software is compatible with your current one.
Leave in the folder where php-residence is installed only the
folder dati (with write permission for the web server) deleting
all the rest. After that, copy the files of the new version
(except the folder dati naturally) and BEFORE ANYTHIG (Spelling, anything) ELSE
access the main menu (as administrator user if the login is
activated) and press the "update" button waiting until it ends
to load the page. If add-on modules or themes are used remember
to copy them too with the new version files.
It's possible to chage from a postgresql database to a mysql one
or vice versa using the backup system.[/b]

[marco]

Hello Walter,
from the backup page create the backup file and then click the button to view (save) it. The upload button is used when you want to restore a previous backup. Please ask if you have other doubts.

Marco

[whacker]

Hi
Thanks Marco,
I've edited my original post and moved along a bit on this...
I was still wondering though about this?

I was just curious whether or not it would be possible to just replace certain files when updating to a newer Version...?

Also, when I install the new Version, what happens to the custom, internet template files, availability template, availability calendar template and the rates table template?
Thanks Again Walter

[marco]

Hello Walter,
not all files change from version to version, but it's easier, faster and more secure (you could forget about some file) to replace them all. The only advantage I can see at replacing only some files is for people that have customized the code, but that's their decision and I'm not going to make their work (at least not for nothing).
If you don't have changed anything in php-residence code, but only customized it through the web interface, then the upgrade script will take care of everything, including internet templates (if you haven't changhed their names and they are in the same directory set in "configure and customize").
The backup should not be needed afterwards if the upgrade goes smoothly, but something could go wrong when you modify the database structure (for example if you don't have the "alter table" privilege in mysql), so it's better having it at hand to revert back...
Now replacing all the files except the dati folder and making a login should do it. Thanks for the typo!

Marco

[whacker]

Hi
Just a quick question regarding the Dati folder, do I delete the contents of that folder as well?
Walter

[marco]

No, you have to keep them! (that's why you don't delete it) Also make sure that the web server can write in it and overwrite the files in it (check the write permissions of dati folder and files in it).

Marco

[whacker]

Hi
Roger , I have done this with success, have uptaded my Original post to clarify this for myself...
Here are the files that I had in my DATI folder...see below,
the Dati folder had a setting of 777
I have run into a problem in the past as Apache doesn't allow me the rights to change the file protection settings.

I had my server administrator copy the dati folder and all its files in a new directory ..
I then copied all the new version files over and did the update there and it worked..... Well I have been able to access the main maenu and availability template, hopefully nothing else pops up!!
One question though, why did I save the original, backup.php file....????
I never did use it...
Another note, at 2.6Kb/ sec speed the process of copying all the files took about 1/2 hr...
Thanks Walter

DATI 0 k 0644
Reservation HTML_2007_00001.html 3 k 0644
Reservation HTML_2007_00002.html 3 k 0644
WS_FTP.LOG 0 k 0644
abilita_login 0 k 0644
availability_calendar_template.php 138 k 0640
availability_template.php 298 k 0640
backup.php 514 k 0640
dati_connessione.php 0 k 0644
lingua.php 0 k 0644
rates_table_template.php 107 k 0640
selectappartamenti.php 0 k 0644
selectperiodi2007.1.php 40 k 0644
selectperiodi2008.1.php 22 k 0644
selperiodimenu2007.1.php 40 k 0644
selperiodimenu2008.1.php 22 k 0644
tema.php 0 k 0644
ultimo_accesso 0 k 0644
versione.php 0 k 0644

[marco]

Hello Walter, as I said in a previous post the backup is only in case something goes wrong.

Marco