A few questions before updating the forum to SMF 2.1

[jsx]

Hello.

I will want to upgrade the forum from SMF 2.0.19 to 2.1.2. I know this tutorial: https://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Upgrading - but I have such questions:

1. Should I uninstall the mods before updating the forum? I am asking this because I have made changes to several files and there are failures when uninstalling these mods. Before uninstalling these mods I have to implement the suggested codes via SMF?
 
2. Will all modification data be retained in the database after the update? I mean when I reinstall these modifications on the SMF 2.1.2 forum, will I have all these settings?

[Doug Heffernan]

1. Should I uninstall the mods before updating the forum? I am asking this because I have made changes to several files and there are failures when uninstalling these mods. Before uninstalling these mods I have to implement the suggested codes via SMF?

It does not matter if there are failures when you uninstall those mods. And no, you do not need to implement the suggestions anymore in this case. You can simply uninstall them ignoring any error messages in the files. When the files of your forum will be overwritten by those from the large 2.1.2 upgrade package, all the left over code from the uninstalled mods will be removed automatically. But if you have made manual edits to the files and you want to keep them, then you might want to make a copy of the edited files.

2. Will all modification data be retained in the database after the update? I mean when I reinstall these modifications on the SMF 2.1.2 forum, will I have all these settings?

Yes, provided that you do not remove their data from the database by checking the Remove all data associated with this modification box upon uninstalling a mod. If you check the aforementioned box when uninstalling a mod, all the data that that mod has added to the database will be gone.

Hope it helps.

[Diego Andrés]

1. Should I uninstall the mods before updating the forum? I am asking this because I have made changes to several files and there are failures when uninstalling these mods. Before uninstalling these mods I have to implement the suggested codes via SMF?

Uninstalling mods is not required realistically so that can save you some unnecessary time.

[jsx]

Thank you Doug for the detailed explanation.

Uninstalling mods is not required realistically so that can save you some unnecessary time.

Good to know, thank you for this information.

[Dave J]

1. Should I uninstall the mods before updating the forum? I am asking this because I have made changes to several files and there are failures when uninstalling these mods. Before uninstalling these mods I have to implement the suggested codes via SMF?

Uninstalling mods is not required realistically so that can save you some unnecessary time.

My opinion is that mods should be uninstalled if they don't have a 2.1.2 version. The reason I say that is that installed mods can leave unwanted tables etc in the database, by removing all mods prior to upgrading then you stand a better chance that 2.1.2 will not hiccup on some now rougue table.

I know a few of you disagree but this is my opinion and I'm entitled to it 

[Kindred]

Except that many mods don't remove their data,  even when uninstalled....

[Doug Heffernan]

My opinion is that mods should be uninstalled if they don't have a 2.1.2 version. The reason I say that is that installed mods can leave unwanted tables etc in the database, by removing all mods prior to upgrading then you stand a better chance that 2.1.2 will not hiccup on some now rougue table.

I know a few of you disagree but this is my opinion and I'm entitled to it 

That is a very good way to go about such an upgrade. It is very thorough and I do the same as well.