Lately i had to upgrade a Drupal site (not a module but the code system). It is not that hard but i still thought it can be useful for some.

Before you start do yourself a favor and backup your database and your sites folder (assuming you have built your site correctly ALL your code should be in this folder).

Now lets start. I am writing this as a really simple list:

1. connect to your site as an administrator
2. go to available updates and download the recommended version
3. put your site in an offline mode
4. change your theme to a Drupal core theme, like garland
5. disable all custom modules. All contributed modules and those you have written yourself. A good tip is: make a screen shot of the modules full page so when you`ll need to turn them on again, you`ll know exactly what should be enabled.
6. Delete all your files and folders from the server Except the sites folder
7. upload the new version to the server
8. run the file update.php in your browser, that is http://www.yoursite.com/update.php
9. if all went well enter the admin area and check that it is the new version inside the status report
10. re enable your theme
11. re enable your modules
12. run update.php again
13. put the site in the online mode (obviously you should check before that all is working as it should)

And that is it. Your site is upgraded and functioning.