Patching is moving from an earlier version of SMF to the next version in the same series (e.g. from 2.0 to 2.0.1). If you are moving up more than one version in the same series, (e.g. 1.1.10 to 1.1.13) you could repeat patching for each version update.
If patching reports errors or if you need to move to a newer major version of SMF then you should use the Upgrading procedure. If you want to install a Forum from scratch, please see the instructions on Installing SMF.
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Please note that patches are usually not provided for development versions of SMF (betas and release candidates (RC). |
Patching an SMF forum can be done in three quick and simple steps:
Back up Your Forum
Before starting the upgrade process, a backup should be taken. This includes, specifically, the database, as it contains all the members, posts, and other items in the forum. This protects the forum from accidental damage and any issues from upgrading. Although extensive testing is always carried out, sometimes unforeseen issues develop. Therefore, having a backup is crucial. The upgrading tool can backup all database tables before it runs, but the files are not backed up and the best practice is to have a full backup available.
For more details on backing up your forum, please see the backup page.
Back up Your Files
Using an ftp client access your forum directory and download all the files and directories present in there.
Obtain the patch
Download the patch through the admin panel
When you enter SMF's Administration Center if a patch has been released you will be notified through a box "Update Available!". Selecting the link present in this box will automatically download the patch from the Simple Machines website and will bring you to the package manager.
Download the patch from SMF website
In certain cases it is necessary to manually upload the patch to your server before applying it. In these cases the first thing to do is download the patch.
Go to the Upgrades download page on the SMF website and download the patch you need.
Patch names are in the form "SMF v1 to v2" where v1 is the starting version of SMF (i.e. the current version of your forum) and v2 is the version your forum will be after the application of the patch.
You need to download the patch where v1 is the version of your SMF installation.
Once downloaded the patch to your computer, go to: Administration > Main > Package manager > Download Packages and upload the patch.
Select the link Install Mod.
In some cases, the upload to Packages may be corrupted when you attempt this. In this case, you can upload the file (still archived) to your Packages directory, using your FTP client. Once you have done this, you need to go to Package Manager to apply it.
Finishing the Patching procedure
In the new page you will be notified of any problems. If no errors are reported, selecting the button "Install Now" will start the actual patching procedure.
Once finished you will be informed that the package has been installed successfully.
