A couple of months ago I tried to upgrade to version 4.7.0, but it went terribly wrong. During the initial database query, the database crashed so thoroughly it wasn't even salvageable. I had to restore it with a database backup that, fortunately, was only a couple of days old. So now I want to try again, but because of my previous failed attempt, I'm using extra caution. I put the long query into my MySQL Navicat software and asked it to explain the query. It doesn't get far. It tells me that just about every line has sql errrors. For instance: EXPLAIN DROP TABLE `core_modules` > 1064 - You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'DROP TABLE `core_modules`' at line 1 > Time: 0,118s So naturally, I checked my MySQL server version, which is MySQL 8. There is no upgrade available. What on earth is wrong with my setup and what should I do?

I just want to report that the problem has finally been resolved. In the end converting the database to utf8mb4 did the trick. I can't find it now, but I think someone at some point asked me why I hadn't done that. I replied that I intended to, but I wanted the other problem resolved first before messing with converting the database. Nowhere that I saw was utf8mb4 listed as a requirement to upgrade, but nonetheless, that's what solved it. Thank you to everybody who tried to help. Much appreciated!