Updating WordPress plugins on TAPACOM hosted web sites

Date: June 6, 2011

Backup the MySQL Database

1. In the Dashboard use the wp-dbmanager plugin to make a current backup of the MySQL database.
   Path = Dashboard > Database > BackupDB
2. This will also be a good time to make repairs and optimize the database.
   Path = Dashboard > Database > RepairDB
   Path = Dashboard > Database > OptimizeDB

Download the New Plugin Files

1. See which plugins have new versions.
   Path = Plugins > Updates Available
2. Click on the link “View version xxx details”. On the succeeding page click on the link “WordPress.org Plugin Page” to see the plugin’s page at the WordPress.org plugin directory site.
3. Download the new version at the link “Download Version xxx”

This will initiate a download of the compressed file to your machine. Extract the file compressed file.

Upload the New Plugin Files

1. First, deactivate the plugin if it is active.
   Path = Plugins > Updates Available
   Click the “Deactivate” link.
2. Launch the FTP client application (Fetch or another similar application).Connect to the web server with the FTP client application using the following access information:
   host = ( domain name )username = ( as provided to you by the system administrator )
   password = ( as provided to you by the system administrator )
3. Go to the plugins folder.
   Path = Sites > wp-content > plugins
4. Upload the folder containing the plugin files from your computer to the server.
5. Reactivate the deactivated plugin.
   Path = Plugins > Updates Available
   Click the “Activate” link.

Verify

Test the functions of the updated plug in. Also test other functions of the web site. Look for any non-functioning services and unwanted changes in layout and appearances. Test functions like mail forms, feeds, forums, posts, pages, etc.

If you discover any issues initiate the troubleshooting process.