If you are currently using a stable release of phpBB3 updating to this version is straightforward. You would have downloaded one of four packages and your choice determines what you need to do. Please Note: That before updating we heavily recommend you do a full backup of your database and existing phpBB3 files! If you are unsure how to achieve this please ask your hosting provider for advice.
Please make sure you update your phpBB3 source files too, even if you run the database_update.php file.
4.i. Full package
The full package is normally meant for new installations only, but if you want to replace all source files this package comes in handy.
First you should make a copy of your existing config.php file, keep it in a safe place! Next delete all the existing phpBB3 files, you may want to leave your files/ and images/ directory in place. You can leave alternative styles in-place too. With this complete you can upload the new phpBB3 files (see New installation for details if necessary). Once complete copy back your saved config.php, replacing the new one. Another method is to just replace the existing files with the files from the full package - though make sure you do not overwrite your config.php file.
You should now run install/database_update.php which, depending on your previous version, will make a number of database changes. You may receive FAILURES during this procedure, they should not be a cause for concern unless you see an actual ERROR, in which case the script will stop (in this case you should seek help via our forums or bug tracker).
Once the install/database_update.php has completed you may proceed to the Administration Control Panel and check remove the install directory as advised.
4.ii. Changed files only
This package is meant for those wanting to only replace changed files from a previous version to the latest version. This package normally contains the changed files from up to five previous versions.
This package contains a number of archives, each contains the files changed from a given release to the latest version. You should select the appropriate archive for your current version, e.g. if you currently have 3.0.6 you should select the phpBB-3.0.6_to_3.0.7-PL1.zip/tar.gz file.
The directory structure has been preserved enabling you (if you wish) to simply upload the contents of the archive to the appropriate location on your server, i.e. simply overwrite the existing files with the new versions. Do not forget that if you have installed any MODs these files will overwrite the originals possibly destroying them in the process. You will need to re-add MODs to any affected file before uploading.
As for the other update procedures you should run install/database_update.php after you have finished updating the files. This will update your database schema and increment the version number.
4.iii. Patch file
The patch file package is for those wanting to update through the patch application, and being comfortable with it.
The patch file is one solution for those with many Modifications (MODs) or other changes who do not want to re-add them back to all the changed files if they use the method explained above. To use this you will need command line access to a standard UNIX type patch application. If you do not have access to such an application but still want to use this update approach, we strongly recommend the Automatic update package explained below. It is also the recommended update method.
A number of patch files are provided to allow you to update from previous stable releases. Select the correct patch, e.g. if your current version is 3.0.5 you need the phpBB-3.0.6_to_3.0.7-PL1.patch file. Place the correct patch in the parent directory containing the phpBB3 core files (i.e. index.php, viewforum.php, etc.). With this done you should run the following command: patch -cl -d [PHPBB DIRECTORY] -p1 < [PATCH NAME] (where PHPBB DIRECTORY is the directory name your phpBB Installation resides in, for example phpBB3, and where PATCH NAME is the relevant filename of the selected patch file). This should complete quickly, hopefully without any HUNK FAILED comments.
If you do get failures you should look at using the Changed files only package to replace the files which failed to patch, please note that you will need to manually re-add any Modifications (MODs) to these particular files. Alternatively if you know how you can examine the .rej files to determine what failed where and make manual adjustments to the relevant source.
You should of course delete the patch file (or files) after use. As for the other update procedures you should run install/database_update.php after you have finished updating the files. This will update your database schema and data (if appropriate) and increment the version number.
4.iv. Automatic update package
This update method is the recommended method for updating. This package allows detecting changed files automatically and merges changes if needed.
The automatic update package contains - contrary to the others - only the information required to update the previous release version to the latest available version. These packages are meant for use with the automatic update tool.
To perform the update, either follow the instructions from the Administration Control Panel->System Tab - this should point out that you are running an outdated version and will guide you through the update - or follow the instructions listed below.
* Go to the downloads page and download the latest update package listed there, matching your current version.
* Upload the archives contents to your phpBB installation - only the install folder is required. Upload the whole install folder, retaining the file structure.
* After the install folder is present, phpBB3 will go offline automatically.
* Point your browser to the install directory, for example
http://www.example.com/phpBB3/install/
* Choose the "Update" Tab and follow the instructions
4.v. All package types
If you have non-English language packs installed you may want to see if a new version has been made available. A number of missing strings may have been added which, though not essential, may be beneficial to users. Please note that at this time not all language packs have been updated so you should be prepared to periodically check for updates.
