Updating an exsisting moodle instance build #

Yesterday, I installed a new moodle instance, version 2.3 on a new server.  Today, I installed another new instance 2.3 on the same server and when completed clicked on the notification link.  Moodle reported that there was a newer build available.  Since I had just finished installing the 2.3 instance, I decided to get the newer build, unzip it and replace the build from 2 weeks previous.

I downloaded the zip, unzipped and copied the contents of the unzipped directory into the root of the moodle instance root.  I replaced everything, thinking to myself "I wonder if I will lose the DB connection, admin account info, front page settings that I just specified in the initial installation". 

When the copying of files was complete, I browsed to the root of the instance and got this message

I liked it, information, not too threatening.  I clicked Continue and was presented with the Server Checks screen, which I clicked continue through and then a plugins check screen highlighting a couple plugins that were being updated.  Clicked through that and was returned to where I started, the notification screen with everything still intact, of course.

I then updated the other moodle instance that same way and was pleased how easy it was and that ALL OF MY PREVIOUS SPECIFICATIONS were still in place, including a theme that I had selected. 

Moral of the story, keep your moodle instances up to date.

A final footnote.  If you have plugins that are not part of the core install, they get a little tricky, since you will likely have to re-install it.