My IPS forum is running on 3.2.3 because I really don't know how to upgrade it, what disruption it might cause, what skins I will lose and whether it might wipe my entire forum of all it's posts and what to do if it does..

I am completely clueless about how safe it is and yet I really don't want to be running a way out of date board for my members. (although I'm aware that at 3.2.3 I probably am already running a way out of date board)..

Help and advice needed.

Thanks so much..

All 3rd party stuff will need to be re-made. You can checkout the marketplace if something similar to what you use exists or if there is an updated version of the app(s)/plugins.
Skins/Themes count as 3rd party aswell.

You won't be losing any posts, members etc.

Check us out (my signature), we can also do a test-upgrade for you so you can see what it will be like before touching your production site

Thanks for your reply Ahmad, I appreciate it..

I don't mind losing skins, as long as I know that will happen I can always make more, I just wasn't sure what would be effected and it was the posts and such that I didn't want to risk losing..

Also it says download and then upgrade as usual, but I don't know what as usual means because I've never done it before and I don't even know if I can just skip straight to the latest upgrade or if I have to go through them all since I made my forum, or where to find them if I do..

Totally losing my mind! lol

 

You can upgrade from 3.x directly to 4.x.

@Woodsman made a tutorial; 

However, if you are not comfortable doing this yourself, IPS does that for you and you can also purchase our upgrade service (mainly offering it for those who want it ASAP).

I don't want to use the beta programme, I was hoping to find an established version, not a test case.

Thanks for your posts though..

It's not beta, I was just offering doing a test install before touching your site so you could see how it'll be.

I'm sorry if I'm mistaken but on the link you gave me it says..

" So you think you are ready to take the plunge and try a test install / upgrade from your current IP Board to the current IPS4.0 beta and later to the final release. Well we will see."

And I don't want to risk a test version..

But thanks all the same. :0)

The thread was posted when IPS 4 was in beta.

Now we are at 4.1.7 and far beyond beta and it's ready for production. The steps to upgrade remain the same, however.

Ahh right.

Thanks..

backup your forum and you can test it in localhost, make sure everything goes smooth and fine,

no harm for your live forum,

Thanks for your reply lordi, but how do I back up my forum and what is localhost?

 

Localhost = your own (local) pc
How to backup depends on your host, if they are using cPanel, there is a button to backup database+files. Just ask your host as they know for sure.

I would heavily recommend doing a test upgrade (don't touch production) first.  We had/have many issues on a stock 3.4.8 upgrade to 4.1.5.2.  The board is running ok now, but it took a couple of weeks of effort to get it there.

Recruiting a group to beta test the 4.1.7 instance once you're upgraded would be a big help.

Storm, it might be in your best interest to get IPS involved so they can do this for you, but you must have a full back up of the site prior to any upgrade. Again I'm sure IPS will help in guidance along with members here.

Ping them a support ticket and have a word with them.

Followed your advice Dean and the upgrade happened quite smoothly.

I did lose all my skins, but then on a board that was so out of date I kind of expected that.

 

I'd like to thank everyone for their help and advice, I really appreciate all of your replies. 

Fantastic news, congrats!

Enjoy your new forums.