<a name="update_full"></a><h3>4.i. Full package</h3>

<p>First you should make a copy of your existing <em>config.php</em> file, keep it in a safe place! Next delete all the existing phpBB3 files, you may want to leave your <code>files/</code> and <code>images/</code> directory in place. You can leave alternative styles in-place too. With this complete you can upload the new phpBB3 files (see <a href="#install">New installation</a> for details if necessary). Once complete copy back your saved <em>config.php</em>, replacing the new one. Another method is to just <strong>replace</strong> the existing files with the files from the full package - though make sure you do <strong>not</strong> overwrite your config.php file.</p>

<a name="update_files"></a><h3>4.ii. Changed files only</h3>

<p>This package contains a number of archives, each contains the files changed from a given release to the latest version. You should select the appropriate archive for your current version, e.g. if you currently have <samp>3.0.0</samp> you should select the phpBB-3.0.0_to_3.0.1.zip/tar.gz file.</p>

<p>The directory structure has been preserved enabling you (if you wish) to simply upload the contents of the archive to the appropriate location on your server, i.e. simply overwrite the existing files with the new versions. Do not forget that if you have installed any MODs these files will overwrite the originals possibly destroying them in the process. You will need to re-add MODs to any affected file before uploading.</p>

<a name="update_patch"></a><h3>4.iii. Patch file</h3>

<p>A number of patch files are provided to allow you to update from previous stable releases. Select the correct patch, e.g. if your current version is 3.0.0 you need the phpBB-3.0.0_to_3.0.1.patch file. Place the correct patch in the parent directory containing the phpBB3 core files (i.e. index.php, viewforum.php, etc.). With this done you should run the following command: <strong>patch -cl -d [PHPBB DIRECTORY] -p1 &lt; [PATCH NAME]</strong> (where PHPBB DIRECTORY is the directory name your phpBB Installation resides in, for example phpBB3, and where PATCH NAME is the relevant filename of the selected patch file). This should complete quickly, hopefully without any HUNK FAILED comments.</p>

<a name="update_auto"></a><h3>4.iv. Automatic update package</h3>

<p>The automatic update package is holding - contrary to the others - only the update informations for updating the last released version to the latest available version. These package is meant for use with the automatic update tool.</p>

<ul>

<li>Upload the archives contents to your phpBB installation - only the install folder is required. Upload the whole install folder, retaining the file structure.</li>

<li>After the install folder is present, phpBB3 will go offline automatically.</li>

<li>Point your browser to the install directory, for example <samp>http://www.example.com/phpBB3/install/</samp></li>

<p>We give support for the following installation types:</p>

<ul>

</ul>

</div>

<p>This is the <em>official</em> location for all supported language sets. If you download a package from a 3rd party site you do so with the understanding that we cannot offer support. So please, do not ask for help in these cases!</p>

<a name="styles"></a><h3>2.ii. Styles</h3>

<p>Once you have downloaded a style the usual next step is to unarchive (or upload the unarchived contents of) the package into your <samp>styles/</samp> directory. You then need to visit <code>Administration -&gt; Styles</code>, you should see the new style available, click install and it will become available for all your users.</p>

<a name="mods"></a><h3>2.iii. Modifications</h3>

<p>Although not officially supported by phpBB Group, phpBB has a thriving modification scene. These third party modifications to the standard phpBB extend its capabilities still further and can be found at:</p>

<ul>

<li>Conversions may fail to complete on large boards under some hosts</li>

<li>Updates may fail to complete on large update sets under some hosts</li>

</ul>

</div>