Upgrading WXCat

[dfw_pilot]

Dumb question from an FNG:

What is the best way to upgrade WXCat? I've seen many references in the documentation about installing a new version or upgrading from version 1 to 2, but what about from version 2.23 to version 2.3? The only thing I could find was this:
If you have installed items in your existing WeatherCat folder, rename the exiting[sic] folder then copy the items across to the new WeatherCat folder.

Do I just trash the old version and drag over the new version? Am I missing an Upgrade menu option? Thanks.

[monymony]

Hi DFW_Pilot,

Essentially you are correct that you just do a copy.  There are detailed instructions in the readme file that comes with the upgrade but normally what I do is:

• Create a new database backup (for my own sanity and 'just in case')
• Shutdown WC
• Copy the new files from the download to the APPLICATIONS folder and replace the old copies with the new
• Restart WC

On the first restart, WC will then do any data upgrades needed and when complete will start normally. 

Hope this helps!
Jay

[dfw_pilot]

Thanks mony! Yeah, the readme was a bit lacking so I just wanted to confirm. I'll do exactly as you say, especially the backup part -- that helps me sleep better an night!

dfw

[Blicj11]

When you upgrade to a newer version of WeatherCat, there is an artifact left over from the olden days. On your first time to start WC after upgrading versions, you will get one extra Help pulldown menu (see attached screenshot). So when I change versions, I always add a second restart.

Here is my list:

• Create database backup
• Shutdown WC
• Move new WC files into WeatherCat folder in Applications
• Reboot OS X
• Restart WC
• Immediately quit and restart WC

The second restart eliminates the phantom Help menu.

[wurzelmac]

Here is my list:

• Create database backup
• Shutdown WC
• Move new WC files into WeatherCat folder in Applications
• Reboot OS X
• Restart WC
• Immediately quit and restart WC

The second restart eliminates the phantom Help menu.

Exact the same procedure that I am using.
 

[dfw_pilot]

Sooooo, let's get that written down in the Wiki or Documentation?

Maybe it is and I just missed it. Thanks!

dfw

[Blicj11]

Sooooo, let's get that written down in the Wiki or Documentation?

Great suggestion. I will add this to the Wiki.

[Blicj11]

Here is the new insert to the existing Wiki page on Installation and Requirements:

http://wiki.trixology.com/index.php/Installation_And_Requirements

Please let me know of any suggested edits.

[dfw_pilot]

Thanks, looks great!

[Edit] Upgraded to 2.3.0 without a hitch, and without double Help Help menus. I restarted it again anyway. I'm not brave enough to run out there on the bleeding edge versions like you guys.

[elagache]

Dear Blick, Reinhard, dfw, and WeatherCat faithful,

Okay, the procedure proposed will certainly do no harm, but it is more work than is really necessary.  The reboot of your Mac isn't always necessary and the second start of WeatherCat is only to get rid of that second help menu.  The second help menu is a bit annoying but otherwise harmless.

Here is my list:

• Create database backup

. . . .

Manually creating a database backup is something of a hassle as well.  Stu usually provides an automatic backup when a version of WeatherCat is potentially dangerous.  Otherwise Stu takes a certain pride that such precautions aren't necessary.

Nonetheless we do live in a dangerous world and unforeseen events could throw a monkey wrench into even Stu's bullet-proof code.  If the majority of WeatherCat users would like an automatic backup made before any version is upgraded, shouldn't we consider that as a feature request?  I would expect it would be an easy thing for Stu to add to the backup manager

So what do the faithful think?

Cheers, Edouard

[dfw_pilot]

So what do the faithful think?

Including all faiths or just the correct faith (mine)?

I assumed creating a database backup simply means going to Tools->Backups->Backup Now. Is that correct?

Thanks

[Blicj11]

I assumed creating a database backup simply means going to Tools->Backups->Backup Now. Is that correct?

That's what I do. It's pretty simple.

[Blicj11]

I edited the wiki to clarify how to make the backup and to identify Step 6 as optional for WeatherCatters who like to click on the non-functional Help menu. 

[elagache]

Dear dfw, Blick, and WeatherCat fans,

Including all faiths or just the correct faith (mine)?

  . . . . If you have the correct faith, then why do you need any backups? . . . .

I assumed creating a database backup simply means going to Tools->Backups->Backup Now. Is that correct?

Agreed it is easy to do, but if we feel that everybody should do this as a precaution then it would be best to automate it.  Assuming there is any risk, sooner or later someone will forget and . . . . . .

  . . . . One shouldn't tempt da' character with da' pointy ears! . . . . .

Cheers, Edouard 

[WCDev]

Lol, we used to do the backup on every upgrade, but it was pointless unless the data was going to be updated, so now we'll only do an auto-backup on upgrade if the data is going to be updated.

With regards to the two help menus, you'll only get that on a beta these days - see http://athena.trixology.com/index.php?topic=2011.msg18533#msg18533 for details.