Upgrading Joomla CMS from 1.5.x to 1.6 is not an easy task. It is a shame that even with a migration tool so many people have been having problems.

1. Joomla 1.5.x to 1.6.x migration guide
Upgrading Joomla CMS from 1.5.x to 1.6 is not an easy task. It is a shame that even with a migration tool so many
people have been having problems. That is why we have written this guide to lend some useful advice.
Click here to hire Neogain to upgrade your Joomla website.
Please note that many third party Joomla modules are not 1.6.x compatible and pre-1.6.x templates will not work
without modification.
What you require:
• A local dev server such as XAMPP.
• A backup of your website and MySQL database.
Note: During the time between you making a backup and the new website being in place, you need to ask everyone
to stop updating the website. If you are running a forum or anything tied into the same MySQL database, you need to
stop people from updating those areas as well. Most forums have an option to close it for maintenance.
So why the dev server? Migrating 1.5.x to 1.6 can cause hiccups and it is more appropriate you do the upgrade on a
non-live server, and only then if successful you replace the live 1.5.x site.
Tip: For backups we recommend Akeebabackup it will save you time.
Preparing and backing up your old website
Step 1 – Migrate a copy of your server to the dev server.
Using Akeebabackup create a copy of the website on your dev server. Akeebabackup is actually made up of many
parts. One part to create the backup, then on your dev server an extractor to uncompress and organise your files,
then an installer.
On dev server site you will want to use the kickstart part of Akeebabackup to handle your jpa or zip files.
Step 2 – Enable Curl
If using XAMPP you will want to enable curl. Visit http://www.matware.com.ar/forum/projects/jupgrade/curl-not-
loaded.html for advice on how to enable curl in your XAMPP installation.
Upgrading your dev website
Step 1 – Download and install jUpgrade
JUpgrade is a Joomla extension which you will need to install in the admin area of your Joomla 1.5.x dev website.

2. Step 2 – Enable the mootools plugin
From the ‘Extensions’ menu select ‘plugins’, and then enable the MooTools upgrade.
Step 3 – Configure JUpgrade
From the ‘Components’ menu select ‘jUpgrade and then click on ‘Parameters’. The configuration we used is below.
Step 4 – Download Joomla 1.6
Download this version of Joomla 1.6 and place in the tmp folder of your Joomla CMS website. i.e. htdoscstmp
Step 5 – Run jUpgrade
From the ‘Components’ menu select ‘jUpgrade’ and then click on the upgrade button.

3. Then after a short time you should see the following:

4. Step 6 – Upgrade to the latest 1.6.x build
Now you need to upgrade your website in the usual manner to the latest 1.6.x build.

5. Migrating your new website
Step 1 – Check your backup
Make sure you have backed up your existing 1.5.x Joomla CMS website, MySQL and any misc files such as images,
documents etc.
Step 2 – Create a backup on your dev server
Install Akeebabackup on your 1.6 dev site and make a backup.
Step 3 – Delete your old 1.5.x live website.
Delete your old Joomla website on your live hosting platform (not your dev server) your hosting. Try and do this at a
time when you don’t expect your least amount of website traffic.
Step 4 – Upload your 1.6 backup
Upload your 1.6 website created with Akeebabackup to your live hosting via ftp. Also upload the kickstart script and
install your website. You will want to drop the old MySQL tables as you don’t want to have a bloated MySQL.
You may choose to create a brand new MySQL database on your live server for Akeebabackup to use and wipe the
old db.
Conclusion
It is not a simple process to upgrade to 1.6 from a 1.5.x website and it will take you take time. You could suffer
problems that will result in you having to restore your 1.5.x based website temporarily until you resolve the issues. It
is important you do not cut any corners and make a comprehensive backup of your files.
Click here to hire us to help you with your Joomla website upgrades and development.