Upgrading PHP on server

[GherkinDilds]

My website is Drupal powered, some modules require PHP 5.2.0 or higher. My server (Linux with Plesk) is only running PHP 5.1.6. JPC Tech has tried to upgrade PHP by upgrading Plesk to the latest version 10.1.1 but the version still does not support PHP 5.2.x.

JPC does not advise third party upgrades of PHP. How can I get my PHP upgraded safely?

[Frank Broughton]

My website is Drupal powered, some modules require PHP 5.2.0 or higher. My server (Linux with Plesk) is only running PHP 5.1.6. JPC Tech has tried to upgrade PHP by upgrading Plesk to the latest version 10.1.1 but the version still does not support PHP 5.2.x.

JPC does not advise third party upgrades of PHP. How can I get my PHP upgraded safely?

Move to a server with cPanel! It is a snap to upgrade to whatever version you want. Downgrade too.

[GherkinDilds]

I considered it, but don't want to mess with downtime and having to reconfig everything. So there's no way to safely get PHP 5.2 onto a Plesk Linux server?

Why offer a control panel which cannot handle the later/latest versions of necessary tools etc.?

[GherkinDilds]

I have done some research. Plesk uses PHP in two ways. Plesk itself is PHP based and ships with one PHP version that control the control panel interface. Messing with this PHP version can break Plesk. The second way is for hosting which Plesk depends on the operating system's PHP version. Thus to upgrade PHP on a server, the server operating system must have it's PHP upgraded - in my case CentOS.

My version of Plesk has been upgraded to 10.1.1 which supports PHP 5.x so 5.2.x should be supported without issue.

Since OS upgrades are technically manufacturer and not third party based it should be safe and support by JPC.

More information:
http://forum.parallels.com/showthread.php?t=108720
http://forum.parallels.com/showthread.php?t=107652
http://forum.parallels.com/showthread.php?t=108369

Upgrade guides:
CentOS update PHP: http://wiki.centos.org/HowTos/PHP_5.1_To_5.2

[JPC-Jim]

Open a ticket to support, tell them what you need and they will take care of it.

[GherkinDilds]

Thanks, Jim. I will do just that. Is an operating system based PHP upgrade a standard procedure, aka not require additional fees?

[JPC-Anoop]

Hi,

OS based PHP upgrade is a standard procedure and there is no extra charge for it. I will check your ticket and update it shortly. Please hold on.

[GherkinDilds]

Anoop,

If it an OS based PHP upgrade is standard procedure, why is the ticket saying there is a risk of breaking Plesk? Plesk already states that for hosting, Plesk uses the PHP that the OS runs. As long as the OS PHP is upgraded there should be no risk of breaking Plesk. I am not trying to upgrade the PHP that the Plesk control panel interface is built with, only the PHP for hosting.

Plesk for Linux 10.1.1 supports PHP 5.x so PHP 5.2.x should pose no risk whatsover.

The ticket says that there is till a risk of breaking Plesk despite this upgrade being an independent, OS based PHP upgrade. Why is that?

And for the record, for others who care JPC charges $15 to rebuild a VPS.

Also, what is involved in a VPS rebuild and how will I know if my VPS needs rebuilding?

Thanks

[GherkinDilds]

Is it common for a routine procedure to cause a site go "offline due to technical errors." I also cannot log into my Plesk account, I get an error "ERROR: PleskFatalException".

Solutions?

[JPC-Bilal]

Hi GherkinDilds,

Please open a ticket with technical support if you not already done or update your ticket with queries and Techs will assist you on this. Thank you.

[GherkinDilds]

Bilal,

I have updated the ticket with the information. Is the Plesk error an indication of a broken control panel?

[JPC-Anoop]

Hi,

I have corrected plesk issues and updated your ticket. Please check it and update the ticket to follow up on this.