Before upgrading backup your database, then use an FTP program to copy ALL the files in your Wordpress directory to your hard drive. This way you don’t miss any important files, or backup just the files you believe are important, such as wp-config.php., .htaccess, themes directory, database backup file, etc.

Wordpress comes with an automatic upgrade that sometimes hits a snag, causing you to start over, and it is recommended to deactivate all plugins before the upgrade. Not a good experience when you’re pressed for time, and don’t want any blog downtime.

With the directions below you will be able to upgrade Wordpress in only two steps from a command line using either SSH or telnet.

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