Well you’ll already be backing up daily won’t you? 😉
The low risk option is to backup before upgrade. I’d highly recommend Duplicator for this. You’ll end up with an archive.zip containing all your files and the database.
The medium risk is just to update.
I use Desktop Server which is a localhost XAMPP solution before I upgrade my few online sites.
Just testing ManageWP which also seems excellent. Includes automatic daily/weekly/monthly backups.
I’ve upgraded with no problems so far.
@rdellconsulting
Would Duplicator be better than what I usually do?
1. Data – get the plugin “wp db backup” install, then head on over to your tools tab to find it. You can back up immediately and then do a scheduled backup depending on how often you may post/update pages etc. Always a good idea to get the backups sent to an email address specially set for this sole purpose.
2. Themes, Plugins, and Uploaded Files – just copy the “wp-content” folder to a wp-backup-folder.
3. Also backup the “wp-config.php” file to the same file.
4. All Access info.. passwords etc save as text into your wp-backup-folder, thats normal though! 😉
Am I missing anything?
Thanks. need to make sure before updating to WP4
Only you can decide that – why not try both methods to cover the risk? But I’m sure you’ll love the 1-click Dup’r process.
I’ve updated 5+ sites with no problems.
My way is a little long winded and takes a bit of time, if you can automate the process I’m all for it.
I’m going to give Duplicator a try.
Thanks very much for the info, appreciate it.
Let me know what you think of it
But the simple answer is yes, once you have a backup, just update WordPress. It runs 23% of the web these days, so you can be sure it’s pretty robust.
(I personally always wait a week before updating anything except security patches, so if there are problems you’ll know before deciding to update.)
@rdellconsulting
After a few problems with my server timing out, I now have Duplicator working.
Really like the way everything is there in one package.
Definitely be using it again.
Thanks for the info.
Rusty
This Duplicator is rather advanced – I have been using WP Super Cache because it has been easier to use for my level. Perhaps some of the experts here can tell me if that one is okay. I am backing up once a week, or whenever I have new content.
Thanks everyone.
Mike
WP Super Cache is not a backup, so no, not OK. A caching plugin speeds up your site by “pre-building” your pages so that all the theme’s code doesn’t need to run every time you get a visitor. It gives them a pre-built page, instead.
A simple backup plugin is BackUpWordPress, which I use. I also run an Export (Dashboard > Tools > Export) every now and then, as I’m not averse to rebuilding if I need to (I used to be a geek who would re-install windows every now and then, too: your mileage may vary…).
Hi Electricfeet: I just run Export function under tools which is just a xml file. Does export behaves the same way as “BackUpWordPress”?
I mean, if i install wordpress and install customizr theme in wordpress, and import the xml file, does it restore my site completely? All the child theme files and every page, everything?
Thanks
I’d still push Duplicator if that’s what you’re trying to do
No, export won’t do all that, which is why tools like duplicator exist.
