Tips & Tricks: Migrate Joomla 2.5.xx to Joomla 3.x

From Joomla 2.5 to Joomla 3.x is NOT an UPGRADE but a (mini) MIGRATION!
We describe here the processes to migrate you from Joomla 2.5.28 to Joomla 3.x (latest)

STEP 01

Check that your server supports the requirements

Don't miss this step! You cannot update if your server does not suports the minimum requirements

Your New Joomla Website made by GWS-Desk.com

Get a quote for your new website

You cannot update if your server does not suports the minimum requirements which are needed to run your site.

Requirements for Joomla 3.x

Software	Recommended	Minimum
PHP (Magic Quotes GPC off)	5.6 or 7.0+	5.3.10

Supported Databases	Recommended	Minimum
MySQL (InnoDB support required)	5.5.3+	5.1
MSSQL	10.50.1600.1+	10.50.1600.1
MSSQL	9.1+	8.3.18

Full details can be found on the Joomla.org Website

Any good host is able to run Joomla 3.x !
Nothing is special in the requirements! In case your host cannot provide the correct environment to support Joomla 3.x: CHANGE HOST

So assuming all is in the clear with the requirements you go to the next step!

STEP 02

Extension Compatibility

If any extension is not compatible the upgrade will break the site

Get Extension Support

Once again (and make a note of what you are doing on a piece of paper so you will remember!) before doing anything yet go and check all extensions (templates/components/plugin/modules) and make sure that any of these extensions are Joomla 3.x compatible. For sure when you have installed a Joomla 2.5 template you will need to change this with a Joomla 3.x compatible template.

In general you can see in the Joomla Extension Directory pretty clear that an extension is compatible. (note: sometimes extension developers do not update their account on JED so double check on their website we suggest?)

Just look at this example image to understand what it means: If it shows, as per this example of Virtuemart, you can be assured that the extension is Joomla 3.x compatible an is available!

If it only shows the 2.5-icon rest assured the extension is not (yet) available for Joomla 3.x! This means that you have to wait or have to find an extension that IS available for Joomla 3.x...

This is what you will have to do with all your extensions! Make an inventory what is and what is not compatible with Joomla 3.x!

Tip: Go to ExtensionsManageand here you will easy find all non-joomla extensions that have been installed

When you have written down this we go to Step 3!

STEP 03

Update all Extensions

Make sure you have all updated to latest version available for J3.x

This is a simple step! You just download and update all your extensions (not Joomla yet!) you have found to be compatible with Joomla 3.0 <not yet your template (!)> Only upgrade extensions that show compatibility with Joomla 1.5/2.5/3/x or 2.5/3.x!

BACKUP YOUR SITE AGAIN!

We go to the next step!

STEP 04

Remove incompatible extensions

Do not forget a single one

Go to your admin panel and be very careful...Do not do this when your are tired, too much coffee, do not feel good etc... You should be fresh and have a clear mind!!!!

Go to Manage Extensions > and choose "components" : delete those components that are not compatible with Joomla 3.x and do the same for successively "modules" and "plugins" Please be careful and do not delete things you have not changed. Do not delete any Joomla stuff for sure! Do NOT delete what you before in Step 3 have upgraded
Be Careful & Precise!

Disable Remember-me System Plugin (Essential!)

Now when you are done we are going to get your site to Joomla 3.x !

STEP 05

Update Joomla

Now it is happening: 2.5 to Joomla 3.x!

So go to the component "Joomla Update" and select the global "options" icon (top right in your screen). Change the settings from Long Term Release (LTS) to STS (Short Term Support) and save. Now go back to Joomla update and you will see that the 3.x version is available!!!! Click UPDATE and within seconds your site will be on Joomla 3.x

So we are going to finish up now!

STEP 06

Update remaining extensions

Clean up and re-install

So Now it is the moment to upload your Joomla 3.x template, configure it. Also do that for extensions you have replaced since they had no Joomla 3.x version (refer to Step 2)

BACKUP YOUR NEW JOOMLA 3.x SITE!

psssst: download it to your PC and do not leave it on your server....guess what is happening when your server's hard-disk crashes? Ouch...;-) )

We will be happy to assist you with your migration to Joomla 3.x. The fee for an upgrade or a migration depends on the size of the site. Get your quote for your upgrade or migration to the latest Joomla version!

Get your migration quote now!