How do I upgrade my database from cart 1.3.8a to 1.3.9d?

renamed the .htaccess in the /images/upload directory to .htaccess_hide

Thanks for the update ...

NOTE: This is not a recommended fix for anyone using the /images/uploads in its normal, expected manner for managing upload files from customers ...

I was waiting to do my upgrade until I had more of a handle on how to do it...but having someone work on site and they hit the auto update in admin area. Now, I am getting the database patch error. I tried to use the mysql backup to restore to older version just a day earlier and will not work.

Since, I did not start the upgrade from ftp file transfer and step by step directions- it was done automatically..where do I begin in the directions? Do I perform the database transfer? Should I follow the directions in this post?

Thanks, Kim