How to upgrade

Hello everyone, I want to upgrade to the latest version but I was wondering what was the easiest way of doing this, I'm somehow afraid I'm going to make a wrong turn and erase my database. Should I upload the files and leave the old database and then run the "msSQL_server_setup.asp" to create database tables and connections even though I have an existing database? thank you for your help

yeah small detail, sorry about that.
I'm running version 8.03
Thanks

Full details are given here
These explain what you should do, depending on version numbers, whether or not is access or SQL databases you are using

As long as you BACKUP all your files you cannot go wrong, but sometimes it takes a bit of working through
Quoting from upgrade instructions it reads:
Web Wiz Forums version 7 and 8 to version 9 Upgrade Tools v1
------------------------------------------------------------



This tool comes with NO GUARANTEE that it will work or will not loose,
destroy, or corrupt data in the database that is being upgraded.
USE THIS TOOL AT YOUR OWN RISK.



Modified databases
------------------
If you have modified your database you may need to un-modify
the database in order for the upgrade tool to work.




How to upgrade your database to version 9
-----------------------------------------

1. Backup your forums database

2. Backup your forums database (yes I know this has already been said, but this point is VERY important)

3. Upload the files and folders from this folder into your Web Wiz Forums forum folder on the web server

4. Open the file upgrade.htm in a web browser and select the appropriate upgrade tool

5. Follow the on screen instructions to upgrade your database

6. Once completed successfully delete this folder and all it's contents from the web server


Please Note:-
-------------
Do NOT attempt to run Web Wiz Forums version 7 or 8 with a version 9 database or it WILL corrupt it







Security Notice!!!
------------------
Forum Group and Member permissions may have changed, so please check these before
setting your new forum live.



No Warranty
-----------
There is no warranty for this program, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, except when otherwise stated in writing the copyright holders and/or other
parties provide the program ‘AS IS’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed
or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality and
performance of the program is with you. Should the program prove defective,
you assume the cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction.

In no event unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing will any
copyright holder, be liable to you for damages, including any general, special,
incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use
the program (including but not limited to loss of data or data being rendered
inaccurate or losses sustained by you or third parties or a failure of the program
to operate with any other programs), even if such holder or other party has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.


On swa question - upgrading from 9.06 to 9.51 there is no need to run the upgrade tools. Just make sure you choose the correct version of software you need. Again, as always just make BACKUPS. Better safe than sorry

Just want to clarify for everyone

If you are already running any version above version 9, then DO NOT run the database upgrade tool if you are upgrading for example from 9.06 to 9.51- you will totally screw up your database as it will then create the same columns once again