With each new version of WordPress there is the possibility of plug-ins breaking when you upgrade.
As the WordPress community has grown this has become less common, but it is still something that can make a simple upgrade into an arduous task.
The release of WordPress 3.0 is scheduled for May 2010 (WordPress Release Dates), so it is high time that we begin to look at plug-in compatibility and some simple house cleaning you need to do before you upgrade.
Things to remember when you upgrade to WordPress version 3.0
- Back up Your Database
The database holds all of the content for your posts and pages as well as information used by the WordPress and the plug-ins you have installed. Recommended Plugins: WP-DBManager, WP-DB-Backup - Copy Your Theme
Your theme controls all of the design, layout, and some functions of your WordPress- driven website. In order to make a copy of your theme you will need to access the FTP of your website and go to /wp-content/themes and download the theme you are currently using. You may not need to worry about this if you have the original copy and haven’t edited the CSS or other files within the theme. - Upgrade all Plug-Ins
Upgrading to a new version of WordPress is a great time to delete plug-ins you are not using and upgrade the ones you are. Make a list of the active plug-ins so that you know which ones to reactivate in the following step. - Deactiviate Your Plug-Ins
Deactivating your plug-ins will give you a way to problem solve for any plug-ins that break with the upgrade to WordPress 3.0. How you ask? After you have upgraded to version 3.0, activate one plug-in at a time and then test that it works; any white screens or php errors will let you know the last plug-in you activated is the culprit. After you work your way through your plug-ins you should be good to go, but check over your site one last time to make sure everything is working properly.
