| WordPress is the blogging platform of choice for | | | | the upgrade is complete, reactivate them one at |
| many bloggers and online entrepreneurs. Every | | | | a time to make sure that they are compatible |
| few weeks or months when WordPress users log | | | | with the new version of WordPress. If any of |
| into their blogs, they're greeted with a notice | | | | them seem to be causing problems, deactivate |
| telling them that they should upgrade to the latest | | | | them and find out if the plugin developer has a fix. |
| and greatest version. Some users upgrade right | | | | 3. Check your site carefully after the upgrade is |
| away, others wait a few weeks, and some wait | | | | complete to make sure that graphics are |
| for a long time, anywhere from months to years, | | | | displaying correctly, links are working, and |
| to apply the changes. | | | | everything seems to be intact. |
| Is an upgrade worthwhile? Yes! Each new version | | | | 3 Don'ts When Upgrading WordPress |
| of WordPress contains improvements and fixes | | | | 1. Don't wait longer than a month to do an |
| over previous versions. Should an upgrade be | | | | upgrade. |
| done right away? Ideally, yes. BUT before you | | | | Why? WordPress upgrades include fixes, some |
| click the upgrade button, you need to read a few | | | | related to security, that will improve the |
| Dos and Don'ts to make sure that the process | | | | functioning and stability of your blog. |
| goes as smoothly as possible. | | | | 2. Don't panic if something goes wrong with the |
| 3 Dos When Upgrading WordPress | | | | upgrade process. |
| 1. Backup your WordPress database and ALL of | | | | Why? Chances are that the problem can be |
| your WordPress files BEFORE you upgrade. | | | | resolved. Visit the WordPress.org Codex or |
| Why? The upgrade process may not be | | | | forum, and/or search Google to find information |
| successful. You need to have backup copies of | | | | about how to deal with botched upgrades. |
| your blog files if something goes wrong and you | | | | 3. Don't immediately blame plugin and theme |
| have to restore your blog. Don't rely on your web | | | | developers if you have problems with your |
| host to have a full backup for you. You need to | | | | upgrade. |
| have your own. | | | | Why? Often they have a fix that will help. |
| 2. Deactivate all of your plugins BEFORE you | | | | By following these 3 Dos and 3 Don'ts, your |
| upgrade | | | | WordPress upgrade is likely to go very smoothly |
| Why? Plugins can cause conflicts with the upgrade | | | | and securely. |
| process. When you reactivate your plugins after | | | | |