Major Version Upgrades

When doing a major version upgrade it is not possible to use the JReviews App Store for one-click updates because the code changes in the new major version could break the update process.

JReviews Deploy
To save you time and a lot of hassle, we decided to build something new to make it fast and easy to perform minor and major updates. Download and upgrade using JReviews Deploy

Major upgrades might make you a bit nervous. Ease those worries by testing everything on a development website first!

During upgrades, even if you completely uninstall JReviews and its add-ons, your entire setup and submissions (listings, reviews, etc.) are securely stored in your site's database. The uploaded media is kept in a directory outside of JReviews, so it's not affected. Upon re-installation, everything remains intact. To ease your nerves, it's always wise to test on a development site and have a backup and restore plan, just in case.

Please follow the steps below for major version upgrades:

  1. Check the new version requirements in the requirements page to ensure you are using compatible versions of PHP and Joomla/WordPress.

  2. Download the JReviews installation package from the client area.

  3. Rename the JReviews Add-ons directory or remove the add-ons via JReviews App Store. You can delete the renamed directories after the upgrade is complete.

    • Joomla /components/com_jreviews_addons
    • WordPress /wp-content/plugins/jreviews_addons

  4. Rename the JReviews Overrides directory if you have one.

    • Joomla /templates/jreviews_overrides
    • WordPress /jreviews_overrides

  5. Uninstall the s2framework and JReviews

    • This cleans up the filesystem, but as state before setup, submissions and media files remain safe.
    • There is no need to delete the JReviews Joomla modules / WordPress widgets. This would require re-creating them from scratch.

  6. Re-install the s2framework and JReviews per the instructions in initial installation.

  7. Re-install add-ons through the JReviews App Store. You can now delete the re-named add-on directories from step 3. above.

  8. Re-do your customization in JReviews Overrides to make them compatible with the latest version.

If you are upgrading from JReviews v3 straight to JReviews v5, you might want to take a look at the JReviews 4 upgrade release notes.

JReviews 5.x Upgrade

  • Only compatible with PHP 8.1 and above. Always review the latest version requirements.
    • JReviews Joomla has only been tested with Joomla 4 and Joomla 5.
  • GeoMaps and AMP add-ons have been discontinued for JReviews v5.
    • The MapsPro add-on is now available for purchase in all plans. If you purchased any of these add-ons you will no longer be charged for them on renewals.

JReviews 4.x Upgrade

JReviews 4.0 Stable has been released. If you were previously using JReviews 3.x then this is a major upgrade and you should follow the above instructions. For more information continue reading the JReviews 4 release notes article.