WordPress Upgrades and Problems: What should you learn
For several days, this blog was off line; all because of my carelessness. I tried to upgrade my WordPress installation to 2.2.1 through Fantastico, without trying it first with my test blog. The upgrade ruined everything. The pages suddenly were not accessible. I was desperately looking for ways to make this blog work again but I always failed. Fortunately, through exploring my cPanel and using several articles and help topics available on the web, I was able to find the solution to my problem. But of course, I had some lessons learned, I want to share so you can also avoid careless mistakes:
1. Never use Fantastico in upgrading your WordPress installation. Chances are, there might be bugs or changes in the server you might be unaware of that may cause problems in the upgrade process. A manual upgrade is highly recommended.
Although Fantastico is the most convenient way to upgrade your installation through its one-click install feature, you are not assured that the installed version is working properly. To avoid this, you can create a test blog to work all your changes before applying them to your blog.
3. Do not forget to back up your currently working database before upgrading. I am re-emphasizing it because it seems that many users forget this very important step. I take myself as a very good example.
4. Do not immediately upgrade a working installation of WordPress to a newest released version. Chances are, some plugins might not be compatible with the latest version.
5. Check all the possible causes of your problem before making any drastic moves such as deleting or removing your database out of frustration. Solutions are always available, you only have to find out how. Be patient. Find answers through help or support topics available on the web that may serve as your guide.
6. Always ask help. Post a support topics at the WordPress support forums or at your web host support forums (if any). Members always have good suggestions.
Blogging, Internet, Tips, WordPress, WordPress Plugins, WordPress Themes
i rather use the FTP than the automatic installation
I never had problems with Fantastico’s auto-upgrades. Though I manually update my WP installs first before using Fantastico, just so that I could remove those pesky warning signs that my WP install are ‘out of date’ or so it says.
Still, backups are just essential. Very essential.
All very good tips. Excellent read.
I learned those things the hard way… screwing up my previous installs via Fantastico. Never again. I haven’t updated to 2.2x yet… I’m always iffy about updating to the latest and greatest. I always do my research first (check plugins, etc.)… and follow all instructions on WordPress.org.