Serendipity Forums

I went to view my blog the other day and was given a 404 error, so I looked at the FTP, and the serendipity folder was still in there, but the name of it was changed to 'serendipity.need_to_update' and I can no longer access the folder or anything in it.

I can't back it up because the folder will also no longer transfer to my computer, and can't access the Admin page to update. I called my hosting and they told me the only way to update would be to delete the version I have, and then install the updated one. Is there a better way to update, and preferably do this without losing the previous entries?

Deleting the folder won't delete your entries, because the entries are stored in the database. You will want to back up everything you can, and make special note of the database user and password, as well as anything else in serendipity_config_local.inc.php. I'd also get the .htaccess while I was backing up.

I find it disturbing that the folder will no longer transfer to your computer. Why? Perhaps you can rename the folder, so your computer doesn't believe it's looking at a very strange extension? A backup is important, so you don't lose any customizations. If your provider disabled your blog by renaming it, they should provide you a backup at the VERY least.

Updating Serendipity is very easy: just copy the new files over the old, go to your admin page, and click the link to upgrade. I'm worried about losing your settings if we can't use the old files, though.