Obviously make sure you do not overwrite your existing database with the blank one

As Putz says the best practice for upgrades any version after 9 is as follows:
1. Download the latest version that matches your current specs
2. BACKUP all of your existing forum files just in case
3. If access version DO NOT upload a new database
4. Make sure you copy across your database connection details into your database_connection.asp file
5. DO NOT run the database upgrade tools if this is any version after version 9
6. Delete from your server the existing forum files (except your database)
7. Upload the new files and you should be good to go