Upgrading a HOSTED version.

[Timetabler]

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Upgrading a HOSTED version.

I've searched the knowledge base lengthily on this topic but there is inconsistent advice and ambiguous statements, so I'm looking for definitive version of the steps needed.

1.
I have the Hosted version.


2.
I have customised several areas, and I don't want to lose these customisations.


3.
At present it is v3.11.01.
[I'm happy with it but it seems I need to Upgrade to v3.50 because of Internet Explorer 8.]


4.
Preparation work :
What do I have do in advance of pushing the Upgrade button?
I'm guessing that it includes:

a) Make a Backup at Admin CP->Database->Backup
[What does this backup store? When will I need to use it?]

b) Make a Backup at Members' Area->Backup
[What does this Backup store. How is it different from (a)? When will I need to use it?]

c) Make a Backup at:
Admin Panel->Templates->Import/Export->Export Templates->Export Template Pack
[When will I need to use it?]

d)
Go to Admin Panel->Templates->Restore Templates->Modified->List.
Note the names of these listed "modified" templates.
[Is there any other info about these "modified" templates that I will need later?
[Is there any value in noting details either of the other 2 categories at this preparation stage??]

e) Anything else that should be done before Step 5?

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5.
Take a deep breath and in the Members' Area click on: Upgrade to 3.50

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6.
Now what? I'm not sure.
Specifically:

a) Many posts use the ambiguous phrase 'Revert templates' but without ever saying exactly what is happening.
If you "Revert" a Template what are you Reverting FROM and what are you Reverting TO?

b) Where do you Revert a tempate?
[Some of Jamie's posts have an image marker to show this location, but nothing displays, so something has changed ...?]

c) Some posts use the phrase "Merge to", whereas in UK English we usually say "Merge with". Is there a difference in meaning?


d) In v3.11 changed many of the on-screen phrases/wording that the User sees.
Are these (i) preserved automatically, or (ii) do I have to re-instate them?
If (ii) do I have this manually all over again, or...?


e) I also changed some of the Templates in v3.11
Specifically :
--header
--footer
--index
--clientcss
--email_autoresponder
These are the only ones listed at step 4(d) above.

Can I resurrect these customisations, so that to the User nothing seems to have changed?
If so, please can you tell me what to do, step by step.


Many thanks for any help you can give me.
Maybe it could be the basis for a sticky that would be helpful for others wanting a step-by-step guide to Upgrading, for Hosted Users.
[If one already exists I couldn't find it.]


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[Timetabler]

Anyone got any help on this topic?



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[craigbrass]

You have to revert all changed templates otherwise you will have issues. 3.11.00 -> 3.50.00 has a LOT of template changes and the majority will need reverting.

After reverting, you will need to manually go back in and re-apply your customisations.

There are a couple of companies who can charge you a small fee if you look in the Marketplace boards on this forum to do this for you if you like.

[Timetabler]

To me, the word 'revert' is vey ambiguous,
If you "Revert" a Template what are you Reverting FROM and what are you Reverting TO?

[craigbrass]

It actually means setting it to the default code for the version you are currently running.

[Timetabler]

Thanks Craig.

As well as re-applying my customizations to the new default templates, after 'reverting' them,
in v3.11 I changed many of the on-screen phrases/wording that the User sees.
Are these
(i) preserved automatically during the Upgrade,
or
(ii) do I have to 'revert' them and then apply these modified words/phrases manually all over again?

[Timetabler]

Can anyone help me with this last question, about the phrases/wording that the User sees?

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[craigbrass]

Language Pack Update Tool would likely work.