Help updating Wordpress from Version 2.3

[ponyman]

I have a blog that is a money maker for me, but it is using a very old version of Wordpress. I would like to update it from 2.3 to the current 3.0.4, but I am afraid of messing everything up.

I'm seeking advice on the best way to upgrade from such an old version. Should I incrementally update it? Is there some other way?

Thanks for any advice.

[Kysersoze]

I learned it the hard way with Wordpress. Lost much of my stuff. It's a lot easier now depending on which host you use. Some provide a one button upgrade. No matter what way you go, make sure you back it up completely. The worst that can happen is that you just reupload everything and tweak whatever little things may have not worked perfectly. You will also have to upgrade all your plugins so that they can work with the higher version of WP.

[ponyman]

I have backed everything all up. So are you saying I can just delete everything from the domain, install the latest wordpress version, and then upload the backed up database files?

Luckily I don't have any plugins in this case to update as well.

[Twoface31]

make a backup of your database and start updating your wordpress to the lastest version....

[ponyman]

As long as I keep the permalink structure the same, do I need to worry about google being upset with my update?

[Kysersoze]

No as long as the structure hasn't changed you should be alright. Start updating wordpress and if something goes wrong with the automatic update you are safe with your back up files. Good luck, should be easy.

[alf6300]

just a thought: if your blog is a moneymaker and you are so unsure on what to do, it may be clever to invest $100 and give them to some reliable WP guru easily found on this board, who will be happy to perform your upgrade for that price.

(note: i am not affiliated, married, or engaged with any WP guru or pseudo guru, just an advice)