Updating from stable releases of phpBB 3.1.x
4.i. Full package
- Take a backup of your database, your config.php file, and files that are unique to your installation like styles, modifications etc.
- Download the latest phpBB zip file to your computer and upload it using your cPanel's file manager.
- Unpack the files to another folder.
- Delete the files where you want your forum installed. (You may keep style and modification files etc. Hopefully they are forward compatible with the new file system).
- Copy the files from the unpacked folder to your forum's folder using the cPanel's file manager.
- Overwrite the new config.php file with your backup of that file.
- Browse to http://www.yourdomain.com/ ... /install/database_update.php where ... indicates folder(s) if you have any.
- Delete or rename the install folder.
- Log in and make any (new or additional) configurations in the ACP panel.
If something goes wrong, you can use a server rewind if your hoster has that software, or use a backup to install the old forum file system with the old database until you have figured out what went wrong.
Additional information: https://www.phpbb.com/support/documents ... de=install