Now, I usually use my Cpanel for upgrades — I mean it is a ONE CLICK so that is really what you should do if possible.

But, with the latest wordpress upgrade, I got an error on a lot of my sites saying manual update was required. This can freak you out if you are used to the one click. But seriously not that big of a deal.

FIRST — BACK EVERYTHING UP
you really should back up weekly to an external, a cd, etc. I personally back up to 2 externals every week and then to a CD and/flash as I feel it is needed. Not to be SUPER ANAL but the more backups you have and the different types you have, the better. Think flood or fire as the worst case scenario. SO BACK IT UP. This means backing up your entire blog BEFORE you even think of starting this.

SECOND – DOWNLOAD to your desktop the latest version of wordpress. Just to a file folder — NOT TO YOUR BLOG!!!!

THIRD — Copy all the files EXCEPT the WP-CONTENT folder to your blog. This will overwrite the existing files. If you use a language OTHER THAN ENGLISH, READ THE WP INSTRUCTIONS as there are additional files for language in the WP-INCLUDES that you must retain so if your blog is NOT IN ENGLISH — BE SURE YOU READ MORE ABOUT WHAT TO DO!!

FOUR — Once the files are copied over, go to http://www.YOURBLOGNAME/wp-admin/upgrade.php

FIVE — It will tell you that your database needs to be backed up. Press the button and upgrade it.

You are done!!

So easy!!!