Upgrade to new version

Hi,

I am currently on version 7.08 and I want to upgrade to the newest version of Dolphin but I have made some custom changes to the site. How can I do it without messing up the website?

Thanks

Meme

If you are considering upgrading to 7.14, there have been some significant changes since 7.08. Changes in files, complete template makeover, and database additions.

My suggestion would be to make a 'duplicate' copy of your current website and then apply the patches 1 by 1. You cannot jump directly to 7.14. I hope you remember what all changes have been applied to your site so that you can reapply them after the upgrade IF the modification will even work with 7.14.

Note: Your site will break if there has been any customization done to core files. Also, your current template will not work. If it's a template purchased here at the Market, you can check to see if there is an updated version.

Once you have all this together and successfully upgraded and TESTED your 'duplicate' site, do a complete backup of your Live website and database. Then you can either replace your current 'Live site' files with the upgraded 'duplicate' version OR perform the upgrade steps you took during your 'test copy' upgrade.

Two ways to approach changes to core files.  You can apply your changes to each patch or you can go ahead and let the path overwrite your changes and then apply them again at the end of all the upgrades.  The second approach may be the less time consuming.  If you have noted the files that were changed and what changes were made to them; such as placing comments in the files //changed by me on xx.xx.xxxx, then it should not be to difficult of a job.  I am facing the same thing now with my upgrade.  Also note your modules; many of them will need to be upgraded.  Plus, note any that might have to be uninstalled and see what data might be lost.  Planing ahead is important.

Thanks for your answers. This is going to be a big job for me!

So I guess I should make a live testing site (copy), keep the old one running and do it slowly to see what happens. Once I get it working would I have to follow the same route again on the live one or cold I just overwrite the old one with the new one? Each update would have to be re installed again right?

I suppose its also possible that the new version will offer new changes which I may not need to use the old changes.

Thank you

MeMe