Process for Updating Client

[aigeezer]

I've been searching for detailed advice on updating the client software and have not yet found any. Most advice is based on starting from scratch, it seems.
I'm running 0.28 (if memory serves), and I'm hoping to skip 0.4n and switch to 0.5 now (using Win7-64 mainly).

Is this an appropriate sequence?

1. Run existing client to update the block chain, then close it.

2. Back up wallet.

3. Download and install new version of client.

... this is where I'm not sure how to proceed. Is it...

4. Run new version of client briefly so it generates a new wallet, then

5. Restore backup copy of wallet for new client to use, replacing the new wallet just generated in step 4.

6. Investigate encryption methods in new client software, knowing that implementing them will make the old wallet backup unusable in future.

Of course, I have the nagging feeling that someone has posted a better version of this. If so, perhaps someone could reply with a link.
Alternatively, should some version of this advice be featured prominently in the newbies section because the "5 post" newbie criterion could keep someone at newbie level through many client updates.

Many thanks for your help.

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[Gabi]

As long as you backup your wallet, it's fine.

Bitcoin is not so clever or self-conscious  , just close bitcoin, backup wallet.dat, install new client (optional: uninstall old one, aka delete it where you extracted it), run new client. New client will find the blockchain and wallet in the roaming/bitcoin folder and happily run without problems

[aigeezer]

As long as you backup your wallet, it's fine.

Bitcoin is not so clever or self-conscious  , just close bitcoin, backup wallet.dat, install new client (optional: uninstall old one, aka delete it where you extracted it), run new client. New client will find the blockchain and wallet in the roaming/bitcoin folder and happily run without problems

Thanks Gabi. That seems really easy. I'll try it.

[Gabi]

I always download the .zip (it's so easy, just extract in a folder and that's it, bitcoin "installed"), never tried the .exe but it should be the same.

[aigeezer]

Gabi made it sound easy, so I decided to push the envelope and install the update the way grandma might do it. I chose the .exe file, ignored the uninstall option, and didn't bother to close other running apps. Despite this sloppiness, the update went perfectly - very robust. The new-look gui in version 0.5 is nice - very grandma-friendly too. Bitcoin keeps getting closer to mainstream. Gulp!

Oh, the new client couldn't put a lock on the wallet when it came time to try the new encryption feature, but the universal grandma-centric problem fix, a reboot, resolved the issue. Grace Hopper or Gracie Allen could both do this stuff - very nice work by the developers.