Upgrading Joomla

The following describes how to upgrade to a stable version of Joomla, 2.5.17

If you are no longer using your Joomla! Install
You do not need to contact Tech Support if: Feel free to delete your Joomla! install.
 * 1) You no longer use your site
 * 2) Domain is already hosted elsewhere or expired
 * 3) You no longer use the domain for any reason

FAQ's
Q: I have Joomla 2.5.7. Isn't that better than 2.5.17?"

A: Actually, no. This may seem counter intuitive, but in naming software releases, the dot doesn't signify a decimal place, but it's just a separator. In this case, 17 is higher than 7 so 2.5.17 is higher than 2.5.7.

Back up your files
Before you attempt an upgrade or data migration, please back up your site first!

You can find more information about backing up your files in the following wikis:
 * Backing up domain files
 * Backing up database files.

Determine which upgrade path to follow
Depending on the version you use, you may need to upgrade to the current version by completing several stages as Joomla! does not provide a simple upgrade path:


 * [[file:JoomlaUpgradePathWiki3.2.png]]

Versions that require a pre-upgrade
Use the following table to determine which steps to take based on the version you currently use.

Upgrading from versions 1.5 through 1.5.26 to Joomla! 2.5.6
To upgrade from Joomla! version 1.5 through 1.5.26 to 2.5.20, use the table below to determine which instructions to use based on your current version.

Note that Joomla 1.5.x is not supported anymore and contains security vulnerabilities. By not upgrading, your site can be hacked or compromised. More details: Joomla CVE and Joomla Attacks in the Wild

Upgrading from 1.6.x to 2.5.20

 * 1) Create backups of the both the domain files as well as the database.
 * 2) Navigate to your Joomla Admin page and go to Extensions -> Extensions Manager, and then click the Update tab.
 * 3) Click the Find Updates Icon. A list of updates appears.
 * 4) Place a check mark next to the version, and then click the orange Update button. The system will work for a minute or two.



Upgrading from 1.7.x to 2.5.20
The docs from Joomla! are up-to-date and can be followed directly at:
 * http://docs.joomla.org/J2.5:Upgrading_from_an_existing_version

Upgrading from versions 2.5.x and higher to Joomla! 2.5.20 using the DreamHost web panel
You can upgrade from 2.5.x to 2.5.20 (stable version) using the DreamHost web panel.


 * 1) Open the web panel and click Goodies > One Click Installs (https://panel.dreamhost.com/index.cgi?tree=goodies.installer).
 * 2) Click Manage Installed Applications.
 * 3) Click the green icons next to the Upgrades Needed message, and then click the action button for each install of Joomla 2.5 and higher.