Upgrading to Joomla 3.0 (from Joomla 2.5)

The recorded webinar below explains how upgrade to Joomla 3.0 from version 2.5. The beginning of the webinar includes steps for clients who are hosting their Joomla site with CloudAccess.net. Begin watching the webinar at the 26 minute mark if you are interested in learning how to use the Akeeba Backup component to create a backup of your site and migrate the site into the CloudAccess.net network before upgrading to Joomla 3.0. There are a series of steps listed below the video that may offer more assistance. 

Step 1: Create a Snapshot

We always suggest that you create a backup of the site using the App Snapshot feature in the Cloud Control Panel™(CCP) before upgrading your site. You can easily create, restore and download backups of each site you have hosted with CloudAccess.net using the App Snapshot feature. In the event that the site breaks, you can revert back to the backup. 

Step 2: Update your 2.5.x Version

Before you upgrade your site to the latest version of Joomla 3.x, make sure that it's first updated to the latest version of 2.5.x. To do this, log into the administration area of your Joomla site, go to "Components" and select "Joomla Update". If an update is available, you'll receive a message inside the Joomla Update component with a button to install the updates. Once this is completed, clear the cache in your browser and check to see if your site is running properly. 

Step 3: Update Extensions & Templates

Make a list of all the extensions and templates you're currently using in the site and make sure that each of them is compatible with Joomla 3.x. If they aren't already compatible, contact the developer to update so it won't break your site when you upgrade Joomla. If the developer is unable to provide an update, we suggest that you disable the extension or template during the upgrade process. After you upgrade, you can find a new extension or template that is compatible with Joomla 3.x that offers the same functionality. 

Step 4: Upgrade to Joomla 3.x

After you've created a snapshot, updated the 2.5.x to the latest version and updated all extensions/templates, go back to the Joomla administration area, go to "Components" and select "Joomla Update" again. This time, click on the "Options" tab and change the "Update server" option from "Long Term Support" to "Short Term Support". Be sure to save your work and Joomla will look for 3.x updates instead of 2.5.