Having problems upgrading Invision Forums from 4.2.9 to the latest version 4.7.x

[Shyrax]

My forum upgrade from 4.2.9 to 4.7.x requires that I upgrade from PHP 7.4.x to PHP 8.X

I do have a custom theme but that's it only.

I checked my global config file for errors and found none.

I don't have any 3rd party plugins or other apps.

I ran the pre-checks and got all green indicators.  I see where there is a Simple Machines Forums 2.0 install.  When I try to run the conversion to a higher version, I get a permissions error.

I have done some research on the conversion but not finding much to help.

 

[teraßyte]

I'm confused. Are you converting an SMF forum or are you upgrading from an old 4.2.9 version?

What kind of permission error are you receiving exactly? Without more details, it's impossible to tell what the problem is.

 

If you're indeed upgrading from 4.2.9 to 4.7.15, you need to perform a manual upgrade: https://invisioncommunity.com/4guides/advanced-options/server-management/install-and-upgrade-r259/#manualupgrade

 

The auto-upgrade in ACP won't work because you need to change the PHP version along the way.

[Marc Stridgen]

We would also need to know the exact steps and exact messages being received, in order to advise.

[Shyrax]

On 3/2/2024 at 2:22 PM, teraßyte said:

I'm confused. Are you converting an SMF forum or are you upgrading from an old 4.2.9 version?

What kind of permission error are you receiving exactly? Without more details, it's impossible to tell what the problem is.

 

If you're indeed upgrading from 4.2.9 to 4.7.15, you need to perform a manual upgrade: https://invisioncommunity.com/4guides/advanced-options/server-management/install-and-upgrade-r259/#manualupgrade

 

The auto-upgrade in ACP won't work because you need to change the PHP version along the way.

Primarily I want to upgrade my Invision Community forum to 4.7.15 from version 4.2.9.  This requires PHP 8.0.  When I change my PHP version, the automatic upgrade is completely unavailable.  All the pre-checks indicate that my forum is ready for upgrade, but the PHP change prevents me from completing an auto-upgrade.

I agree with you, I must perform a manual install.  But, I'm inexperienced and I'm unsure how to preserve my forum data.

I have a DEV/TEST site that I will try to install on.

As for the SMF, I see that there is an install of SMF on my site somehow.  I thought that I could simply convert the SMF so that I can change my PHP version and access the site, but I am inexperienced and can't get that to work.

*STEPS,

1) Click on the UPGRADE button (see attachment)

2) Review the pre-check requirements

3) Change PHP version to 8.0/8.1/8.2 from PHP 7.4.3 in CP

4) Unable to reach my forum interface to complete the upgrade.

Thanks for your help.

D C

 

[teraßyte]

1 hour ago, Shyrax said:

As for the SMF, I see that there is an install of SMF on my site somehow. 

Are you using this SMF forum? Based on your reply, you didn't even know it was there, I guess not. You can ignore/remove it. Or, if there are some posts or other content, and you want to preserve/import it, you can use the converter application after upgrading to 4.7.

 

As for the steps to upgrade to 4.7, what you're doing won't work because you also need to change the PHP version as I mentioned before. You need to proceed with a manual upgrade. If you follow the instructions in the IPS guide I linked, you'll be okay and the data will be retained.

 

If you're still uncomfortable doing the manual upgrade yourself, there's also the option of hiring a 3rd party Provider to do the upgrade for you: https://invisioncommunity.com/third-party/providers-directory/

I'm also on that list if you want to send me a PM.

[Shyrax]

I just performed the manual install to my DEV(TEST) folder and temporarily changed the PHP version and the DEV site just doesn't seem to load.  It just displays a blank white page.

I unpacked the zip into my PUBFTP folder.  Moved the files to the root of my DEV site (overwrite selected).  Then changed PHP to 8.0 and no joy when I navigate to my DEV site, even when I go to /admin or /admin/install.

Is there something else I'm missing?

DC

[Randy Calvert]

Have you made sure your version of PHP8 has all of the required modules and settings?  

Once you switch to PHP8, you should run the compatibility checker:

Also, do you have all of your third party resources (applications/plugins) disabled?  It's very possible a 3rd party script could be incompatible with PHP8 which could cause issues as well.  

[Shyrax]

Thanks! I got all green checks on the comp checker. before this install.

UPDATE, I moved the files again and this time I was able to access the install interface @ pub_html/dev/admin/install.  However, I failed to change the initial password. 

I must go back and wipe out my DEV site and re-clone my original PRODUCTION site to the DEV site and try again.

Will return with more updates as I progress.

DC

[Shyrax]

There is another level of complexity as the Invision Community forum sits on top of a WordPress installation.  My dev site does not seem to have the forum copied over to it.

DC

[teraßyte]

To start the upgrade you need to go to /admin/upgrade rather than /admin/install.

[jackflash]

23 hours ago, teraßyte said:

Are you using this SMF forum? Based on your reply, you didn't even know it was there, I guess not. You can ignore/remove it. Or, if there are some posts or other content, and you want to preserve/import it, you can use the converter application after upgrading to 4.7.

 

As for the steps to upgrade to 4.7, what you're doing won't work because you also need to change the PHP version as I mentioned before. You need to proceed with a manual upgrade. If you follow the instructions in the IPS guide I linked, you'll be okay and the data will be retained.

 

If you're still uncomfortable doing the manual upgrade yourself, there's also the option of hiring a 3rd party Provider to do the upgrade for you: https://invisioncommunity.com/third-party/providers-directory/

I'm also on that list if you want to send me a PM.

I'm interesting in having a site upgraded from 4.3.6 to current.  What are the details and your rates?

[teraßyte]

7 minutes ago, jackflash said:

I'm interesting in having a site upgraded from 4.3.6 to current.  What are the details and your rates?

Please send me a PM. 🙂

[Shyrax]

I want to thank @teraßyte for outstanding guidance.

We were able to complete the upgrade from an outdated community forum from 4.2 to 4.7+ with his support.

His service is top notch and I highly recommend reaching out to him for help.

Respectfully,

Shyrax