Upgrades Imminent

Post by **Ian** » Tue Feb 05, 2019 6:28 pm

Hi y'all.
It's been a while since I've had to perform an upgrade of the forum software but now it has become necessary. I also have to do some work on the server software where the forum is hosted.

I'm having some difficulty finding time to do this as the process is lengthy and, from previous experience, is prone to break some things that take a lot longer to correct. I intend to have it done by the end of February but will probably only be able to give 24 hours notice of the necessary downtime. I'll make the announcement here and in a prominent banner when the time comes, so treat this post as a pre-warning.

Thanks for your understanding

Post by **upstart8s** » Wed Feb 06, 2019 5:24 am

Good luck with the upgrades Ian. I know these things have to happen, especially in these fast-moving times, but I am averse to change (just look what's happened with Brexit). Will I still be able to use Windows Vista? I have just about stopped using Win95 these days.
Stu

Post by **peter freeman** » Wed Feb 06, 2019 9:01 am

I understand that "upgrades" are not always easy - I have lot of programs that I need that don't work on windows 10 so I keep a spare pc which runs on XP Pro. Best of luck with the upgrade I have a feeling that you will need it.

Post by **Ian** » Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:13 am

OK. I've got some time allocated to this job and I plan to do part of the work starting at 08:00 Wednesday 13th February. The forum will become unavailable at around that time for an unpredictable period. I have allowed 4 hours but if things go smoothly it should be less than one hour on this occasion. If it looks like it will take the 4 hours I'll revert to the status quo and try to recover my hair from the keyboard.

Post by **philhoward** » Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:47 am

Best wishes to your scalp..

Post by **Roger Pennington** » Tue Feb 12, 2019 12:11 pm

Good luck Ian, hope it goes well

Post by **upstart8s** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 5:26 am

just in case you didn't see the pink banner above, remember you will be deprived of your favourite reading material for some time today...
Stu

Post by **Ian** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:38 am

Well, its done but not complete. You should be able to post as usual now but for a while some images will be missing and it might be slow until the caching catches up with itself. Any other problems please let me know here.

Post by **David Tew** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:49 am

Thanks Ian. Brilliant job.
Now ...

Post by **Ian** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 9:54 am

I had intended to do this work in two stages with only the server upgrade being done today and the forum upgrade later. The server upgrade completed on the second attempt after some minor intervention in less than 30 mins.

I decided to ride my luck and do the upgrade of the forum software whilst the system was down. This seems to have gone well but the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so look out for issues over the next few days.
The good thing from your point of view is that I should not have to take the forum down again for some time

Post by **Coupe Racing** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:40 am

Do we still have the most recent 5 posts at the top of the page ?

Post by **scimjim** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:46 am

Coupe Racing wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:40 am
Do we still have the most recent 5 posts at the top of the page ?

yep

TrevorG · Post by **TrevorG** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 11:03 am

Well done Ian, one of the less appreciated, you have my respect sir.

Post by **philhoward** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 11:05 am

scimjim wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:46 am

Coupe Racing wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:40 am
Do we still have the most recent 5 posts at the top of the page ?
yep

Sort of - works in desktop, Mobile view IF viewing landscape but it gets culled if viewing in portrait. That's looking on an iphone.

Post by **Ian** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 11:15 am

Thats interesting! I hadn't realised there was that issue with the latest posts on mobile. Its on my list for investigation now!