Moderator
Jan Dembowski
(@jdembowski)
Forum Moderator and Brute Squad
Are there any risks of losing files – potential incompatibilities – would the design of my blog, which has been done by professionals, be lost?
The short answer is “There shouldn’t be”.
Slightly longer answer? Make sure you backup your files and database off of your web server then try upgrading your themes, plugins and WordPress software.
http://codex.wordpress.org/Backing_Up_Your_Database
http://codex.wordpress.org/WordPress_Backups
From 3.8.5 it should be a straight jump to 4.1 but in case something goes awry you can put it all back and try the extended upgrade.
http://codex.wordpress.org/Upgrading_WordPress_-_Extended_Instructions
Thank you.
I’ve all my files backed up on hostgator.
For the upgrade, so I should simply click on the link that’s offered to me on top of my dashboard and everything should be done automatically, is that correct?
Thanks a lot.
There are two parts to backing up your WordPress site: Database and Files.
Do you also have a database backup?
http://codex.wordpress.org/Backing_Up_Your_Database
Moderator
Jan Dembowski
(@jdembowski)
Forum Moderator and Brute Squad
For the upgrade, so I should simply click on the link that’s offered to me on top of my dashboard and everything should be done automatically, is that correct?
That should work but as we live in a less than perfect world you really should get that backup off of your server especially your database (as 2 moderators are explaining. 😉 )
Hosts will make backups of your files (maybe, you really need to check that) but the database might not get backed up for you by them. Make your own backups just in case. It’s the best safety net you can have.
I’ve checked with my host and they tell me that the back up comprises everything, including the databases.
I’ve a cPanel there and the backup is saved on my home directory.
Does that sound good then?
Moreover, should I deactivate my plugins before proceeding to the wordpress upgrade?
Thanks a lot.
Moderator
Jan Dembowski
(@jdembowski)
Forum Moderator and Brute Squad
Does that sound good then?
It’s your installation. 😉 If you’re comfortable then it’s good. Just confirm with the host provider how to restore on the off chance that you need to.
Moreover, should I deactivate my plugins before proceeding to the wordpress upgrade?
Yes, that is a good idea and an excellent precaution. I suggest you do that then upgrade. Once the upgrade is complete then you can re-activate your plugins.
Make sure you update them before activating them if your dashboard says there are updates to your plugins and themes.
Thank you very much.
A more general question to finish: how often is it required to upgrade the version of wordpress I’m using?
I understand that the main issue with not upgrading is a security issue. Are there any other issues/misfunctions which might arise if wordpress is not updated often enough?
Using the latest version of WordPress is one of the most important things you can do for the security of your WordPress website. That and strong passwords. WordPress will automatically update the minor versions for you (4.1.1, 4.1.2, etc).
http://codex.wordpress.org/Configuring_Automatic_Background_Updates
You’ll only need to update the major versions (4.1, 4.2, etc). Here’s the roadmap:
https://wordpress.org/about/roadmap/
Other issues that can arise is that you can’t use (or upgrade) plugins/themes with functionality only found in the newer versions of WordPress.
Thank you very much for your responses, it’s most helpful!
I’ll upgrade my wordpress and see if there are any issues.
Maybe one last question:
A few weeks ago, my wordpress kept on logging me out.
Do you believe that this might be due to the fact that my wordpress version is not the latest one? Or not espcially. The issue stopped after a couple days.
Thanks a lot.
