Upgrading BlogEngine.NET from 1.1 to 1.2

Upgrading your blog is an easy process for the most part.  In the latest release of BlogEngine.NET, it is no different.  However, I've written out detailed steps for the process to help answer questions people might have.

Backup your blog

This is always the first step listed, although I don't always do it myself.  Obviously, you can update your blog without backing up first, but I'd prefer not to hear that people lost everything following my instructions, so this is the first step you'll hear from me.

If you are thinking of skipping this step, at least backup your App_Data folder.

Download the blog software

You can get the latest release here.  The web project download is the best option if you simply want to update your site.

Database Update

If you are using the XML provider (which is the default) skip this section.  If you are not sure, skip this section. :)

Ok, for those of you using the MSSQL Provider, there is a new table, and handful of new fields, and a few more new settings to add to your database. 

If you are using the 1.1 release, you can use my sql script for updating to 1.2.

If you are using an earlier version of BlogEngine or a build from after the 1.1 release, you are on your own.  You can easily compare the table, field, and data from the 1.2 setup script included in the release to see what you should add to your database.

Update Robots.txt

While not required, this is a great time update your robots.txt file.  (Read more about what robots.txt does here if you'd like.)  In your newly downloaded 1.2 foldler, find the robots.txt file and open it in the text editor of your choice.  Simply change the url of the site map to match your web address open your newly downloaded 1.2 folder

Web Upgrade

Certainly you've downloaded the 1.2 release already, so now you'll need to copy the relevant parts to your web server.

You will want to copy everything except the App_Data folder and your Sql.Config file.  (The Sql.config file is only important if you are a MSSQL Provider user.)  Overwriting these would be bad and make you wish you had made a back up.

At this stage, you should be ready to open your web browser and open your blog.  You should see the shiny 1.2 version number at the bottom of the main page, assuming of course you are using a theme that keeps the trusty version number there.

Update your Settings

Login and got your your settings page and check your settings out.  This is an excellent time to review the new options in the new version as well.

Be sure to look at the following:

• In your feed settings, notice that the feedburner option is no longer there.  It is replaced Alternate feed URL.  If you are using feedburner, be sure to update this.
• There is a new Avatar option in the Comment section.  You will need to select Gravatar here if you want to use it.

Save your settings and you are ready to enjoy the new 1.2 goodness.  Hopefully, this will be helpful to someone out there.