Step by step guide to upgrading CiviCRM

Here is a simple step by step guide to upgrading CiviCRM with Drupal 7, the ideal platform for charity web design.

The full details are here - https://docs.civicrm.org/sysadmin/en/latest/upgrade/?query=extensions#b…; - but we find it handy to have a quick guide without too many unnecessary details

Backup CiviCRM and Drupal databases using Backup and Migrate 3.x dev version - NOT 3.1 as this does not have the necessary patch
Disable CiviCRM logging - this can interfere with database writes
Upload new CiviCRM zip file
Backup CiviCRM module code
Put the site into maintenance mode
Disable all none essential CiviCRM modules - not CiviCRM itself
Expand new module code in place
*** Flush all Drupal caches ****
Clear /sites/default/files/civicrm/templates_c
Run the upgrade script - /?q=civicrm/upgrade&reset=1
Do a victory dance / curse profusely depending on how that went
Re-enable modules
Take site out of maintenance mode
Re-enable CiviCRM logging
Flush caches

That's basically it, but stick close to the list and pay attention! The key factor is to run this on your development server first and fix any issues there - once it's all clear on dev, you have a reasonable chance of things going smoothly on the live site.