Manually upgrade Prestashop 1.6 to 1.7

Actualizar manualmente Prestashop 1.6 a 1.7
In the past, we already told you why it was a good idea to update PrestaShop to version 1.7. Updating Prestashop 1.6 to 1.7 manually is not an easy task, let's be honest, but it is not impossible either. It is an update that must be followed step by step, especially on the pages or online stores with orders and customers. Pay attention to how to do the update without losing a single order, product or customer, when what is clear is that the update is more than necessary if you want to keep your online store up to date with the latest developments, knowing also that version 1.6 will end up expiring sooner or later.

The steps to take into account, among which is planning

Before getting into the nitty-gritty and describing the steps to follow in order to make the migration clean and loss-free, it is necessary to plan. It must be taken into account that this update, including the new templates, can take between two and three days . A task and a time to take into account and that in many cases it is more than advantageous to coincide with the weekends.

Make a backup, the first step

Always, always and without exception, when we are going to make any update we must make a backup copy. Making that copy of our online store is what will guarantee that we do not lose any folder or file, as well as the important database. Prestashop recommends downloading the Click Upgrade module. Something that you can do from the Prestashop build blog . That is, in addition to the one you make externally, the system will force you to make your own. You just have to click on all the tabs and proceed to make the copy.

We migrated the store data

Updating is basically migrating the data from a Prestashop to the latest version. The problem with these updates is the change in properties that usually occur with respect to new versions. Manual updating means making an adaptation of each of the modules to avoid losses due to mismatches. It is advisable to work locally, creating a Prestashop 1.7 store on a local server as a test. Once we have configured or installed what is known as a suitable local environment, we follow the path http://localhost/prestashop17, without deleting the “/install” folder even though it is indicated in these steps because it will be useful later.

We create a local server to install our backup

Once this is done, we create a local server in order to install our new backup. Using the file called « phpMyAdmin» we create that empty database to which we will import the data we have copied. Those of our store. Pay attention to the « ps_shop_url» table . In it we will have to modify the registry in order to proceed with the adaptation of the new one. URL locally. Once all this is done, we move on to the configuration of the file " /config/settings.inc.php". This will be the way to change the access data to that database that we have imported. from the local server. Once all these steps have been completed and you have reached this point, it is advisable to check that the store is working correctly . If so, it is time to change the template.

Changing the template, another step to take into account

Once we see that the store is working perfectly, we proceed to change the default template that Prestashop 1.6 brings. We will disable the “ default-bootstrap” by removing any active modules. It is very important to make sure that the modules in the database are removed because only when the database is completely clean will it be time for the actual migration.

The importance of copying the “/img” folder

The next step is to copy the folder called “ /img” from our e-commerce installation to the Prestashop 1.7 installation. Copying will mean replacing the current folder: a step prior to changing and updating the database so that Prestashop works with the updated store because the database will no longer be in “ settings.inc.php” but in “ /app/config/parameters.php” where you need to enter the name of your database, the user and the password. Do this and then run the path that we have decided will be the way to adapt version 1.7 and create new tables and the necessary fields.

Installing the new template, the last of the necessary steps

At this point, when we have a Prestashop 1.7 installation, we have all the data for our online store. However, and despite the fact that the migration itself has already been executed, it is necessary to carry out one more step: install and configure the new template and the modules that we are going to need so that the store not only works, but works well. All subject to the tests that are necessary to verify that everything works well. Creating domains and subdomains to carry out the checks is a good way to see that everything is in order and there are no errors after the update. At this point , replacing the files of the old store with the new ones should not entail any complications. Obviously, and although we have detailed the steps necessary to do this update without dying in the attempt, it is clear that this whole matter must begin with the download of the latest version of Prestashop . An obvious fact that must be taken into account in any case. It is also important to know that at the moment there is no automatic update , and this manual one that we have just detailed is necessary. This starts with downloading the new version and continues with unzipping it, which comes as a ZIP file. What is clear and beyond any doubt is that the update will allow you to have better performance in your online store, as well as new features. The new design and the functionalities should be the two reasons why you get to work immediately. And remember that if you have problems with the update you can always contact us , we will be happy to help you!
Miguel Pineda
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