Is this the correct procedure?

[RayS]

I was trying to upgrade from 1.3.8a to 1.3.9a using the procedure in /docs/2.readme_how_to_upgrade.html

Step "3. Testing" did not achieve the expected result; I believe some steps are missing. I tried some things, and what seems to have worked was to:
1) go to zc_install to install zencart to a new blank database
2) replace that database with the backup database
3) go back to zc_install but this time choose upgrade instead of install.

Here is my version of the instructions, with additions italicized in red. It seems to work, but I'd like some feedback to make sure I didn't miss anything. Please feel free to reply with your own improved version; hopefully will get something that's clear and correct:

3. Testing

Make a NEW temporary database to install the new version of Zen Cart™ into; attach a database user to it. Use your hosting control panel to do this.

<paragraph moved below>

If your /zen_new folder doesn't have "/includes/configure.php" and "/admin/includes/configure.php" files, copy them from your old store folder.

EDIT your "/zen_new/includes/configure.php" file and ensure that your DATABASE_NAME matches your NEW database. Also verify database username and password and table prefix in case that information has changed. Save this file, and be sure to upload it as part of the next step. Repeat for the /admin/includes/configure.php file as well:

Upload the files from your modified "new version" (created in step 2) to your server, into an alternate folder, perhaps called "/store_new".

Ensure that you have uploaded the "/zen_new/zc_install" folder to your server.

Using your browser, surf to /zc_install/index.php and install zen cart.

<paragraph moved from above:>
If the last backup you made of your data is older than the last order that might have been processed or customer registration, make a fresh database backup.

Replace the new temporary database with your backup database; attach a database user to it.

Using your browser, surf to /zc_install/index.php and choose "Database Upgrade" when prompted. (Don't select "Install", or you will overwrite your database.) (If "Upgrade" is not offered, then the installer was unable to connect to your database to confirm what version its structure is at. Check your configure.php settings.)

If the process is successful, your zen-cart will now contain the data from your backup database, and it will be in maintenance mode.

Test your customizations. Edit as needed. Compare with the test/demo install performed earlier, as needed.

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Okay, am I on the right track? Did I screw up? Is my shopping cart going to explode? If you see something wrong, reply with your version.