how do I update my PHPBB forum?

It's been around for awhile... how do I update safely?

[uhwebs]

I'm not even sure what version I have, but I was told I should update to a recent one with image verification. Spamming and auto-registrations has gotten bad.

However, I don't want to loose any users, threads, information, etc.

[AjiNIMC]

[phpbb.com...] , this will help.

Use the patch files to upgrade.

patch -cl -d [PHPBB DIRECTORY] -p1 < [PATCH NAME]

Also check the hunks which failed. I apply the failed hunks manually.

This will not create problem with the exisiting database or files but if you are not technically sound I advice you to keep a back before doing it.

Have you applied any mod to your phpbb?

AjiNIMC

[uhwebs]

Yes, I've applied a mod or two-- one is "topics anywhere".

Some of what you said sounded like greek to me, but I'll check out the link and try to figure it out :)

Thank you!

[camweh]

I'm not even sure what version I have

You'll find what version you're running at the bottom of the Control Panel page - if it's showing on the front page you're version is waaaay out of date and very vulnerable. :-(

[uhwebs]

it's version 2.0.6 .... old? or OK?

[AjiNIMC]

it's version 2.0.6 .... old? or OK?

Way old, current is 2.0.21

[rogerd]

There have been major security patches in newer versions, uhwebs.

[encyclo]

If you are moving from 2.0.6 to 2.0.21, then unless your board is heavily-modified you should probably take the 2.0.21 files and re-apply the modifications. Once the new files are in place you can run the upgrade_to_latest.php script in the

install/

directory (which you remove afterwards) and all your database tables etc. will be updated. There shouldn't be any problems, but take a full backup of the database first.

Don't forget that you will need to modify your templates - there have been a lot of changes since 2.0.6.

If you really can't rebuild with the new files, than try the patch file available from the phpBB site - but it is harder and usually requires command-line access to the server, and the server must be a Linux/Unix type (not Windows).

Running 2.0.6 is particularly dangerous - there are widely-known exploits on the web that can give anyone full administrative access to your board and significant access to the server itself.

[uhwebs]

Thanks. I have just backed up my forum in case something happens.

Now, is there someone with experience I can contact to do this? because I do not want to screw up.

I will look at PHPbb's site and see if I can figure it out from there. Thank you all!

[camweh]

You might look at the signatures of the regulars in the support forum at phpbb.com - there are a few there who state they will provide private assistance on updating boards.