moodle/UPGRADING.txt

UPGRADING   $Id$
---------

As Moodle grows, there are changes to the code and 
sometimes changes to the database structures.

Moodle is able to upgrade its own databases, using 
information in files called version.php.  There is 
one of these for the main tables (in this directory)
and one for each module.


Before the upgrade
------------------

Before upgrading any version of Moodle, I recommend
making a backup copy of the moodle directory, your 
data directory and your database, to guard against 
the very unlikely event that something in the upgrade 
goes wrong.

At the very least, save a copy of your config.php 
file and any custom themes or plug-ins you have developed.


Upgrading the files using CVS
--------------------------------

If you are using CVS, just go to the Moodle root 
directory and type "cvs update -d".  If you have been
editing your files watch the messages very closely 
for possible conflicts.


Upgrading the files using a downloaded archive
-------------------------------------------------

Remove the current installation directory
and then unpack the new tar or zip file into the same 
location.   (Overwriting an old installation will 
usually work, but I can't guarantee that).

Next, copy the config.php file from your old installation
into the new installation (or make a new one by editing 
config-dist.php).  If you have created new themes or 
other plug-ins then make sure you copy those back too.


Finishing the upgrade
---------------------

Visit the admin page of your installation to complete 
the upgrade (eg http://example.com/moodle/admin).  it 
doesn't matter if you are logged in as admin or not.

Moodle will automatically detect the new version 
and perform any database upgrades that might be 
necessary.

If all goes well (no error messages) then you can just 
go on using Moodle normally!


If you have problems with this procedure, let me know.

Cheers, and have fun!
Martin