Upgrade to DNN 4.9.0 from 4.6.2 or Later
I have previously blogged about the streamlined upgrade process that can be used to ugprade sites starting with version 4.6.2 and later. With the upcoming release of DotNetNuke 4.9.0 (targeted for next week) I thought I would take some time to get all of my installation guides updated, with the most current information to ensure that everyone was ready for the new version as soon as it comes out. Given the enhancements provided to the core in 4.6.2 the upgrade process from this version and later is VERY simple! The following two step process will help you upgrade to your site to the most current version. Instructions are also included regarding items of consideration for users in shared hosting environments.
NOTE: This ONLY works for DNN 4.6.2 and later systems. DO NOT use this method if you are on a version prior to 4.6.2, as a failed installation is very possible! If you are on a version prior to DNN 4.6.2 and would like to upgrade, please see the article titled "Upgrading to DNN 4.9.0 from 4.x". If you have questions about this requirement, please post to my forum on this site.
Backup Existing Site
Even with the XML merge functionality it is very important to take a full backup of the website and database, just incase something doesn't work correctly during the upgrade. If you are unsure of the process to backup your site, please be sure to read my blog How to Backup a DNN Site, additionally if on a remote hosting provider you can contact your provider for assistance creating the backups.
Upgrading Site
To perform an upgrade from 4.6.2 or later to 4.9.0 you may simply download the UPGRADE package for the 4.9.0 version of DotNetNuke from the DotNetNuke.com website. You MUST use the upgrade package for this process. Once you have downloaded the package, simply unzip it over your existing DNN installation. This will update all DotNetNuke core files and prepare you to install the upgrade.
Now, simply navigate to http://www.mysite.com/install/install.aspx?mode=install and you will be triggering the upgrade just like normal. All needed web.config changes will be merged and your site will be upgraded. If you encounter an under contruction page, simply try the URL again. After a few moments of processing you should see a success message. If any errors are encountered you will want to be sure to note them BEFORE continuing on to another page.
Remote Hosting/Production Environment Considerations
If upgrading a DotNetNuke site that is public facing or on a remote hosting provider it would be highly recommended that during the upgrade process an "app_offline.htm" file be placed in the root of the DNN installation. This file will prevent the processing of ANY ASP.NET requests and will ensure that the upgrade process is not triggered until YOU want it to be. You simply have to remove the file before you can process the upgrade.
Conclusion
Upgrades form 4.6.2 to the most current version are very simple tasks and make the process a lot less painful than previous processes. Please note that this process does NOT update any modules that might have new releases so you must do that via a separate process!
Posted by Mitchel on Thursday, September 04, 2008
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