New Theme & Old Add Ons

[schoolboy]

When reinstalling my add ons am I safe to use the updated versions or should I install the versions I used previously?

Yes, and No...

SOME modules will have originally made dbase changes, that were compatible for their original files.

If a module has been upgraded, then it is possible it may need to have its database element upgraded too. Sometimes the author will have provided a SQL update patch, in other cases maybe no UPDATE patch is there - only a new SQL file. In such cases, you MAY need to run an UNINSTALL SQL patch from the old module files, to REMOVE the bits from the database first, before you can then install the later version of that module.

There is no "one-size-fits-all" answer. You need to look at each module's README files, and perhaps even the support thread on the forum. As a last resort, send a PM to its author.

The point to bear in mind is that there are in many cases TWO DISTINCT ELEMENTS to an add-on:

1. FILES
2. DATABASE BITS (in cases where a mod needs dbase changes).

In a lot of cases, upgrades to PHP can require alterations to the database too. But this is not necessarily true in ALL cases. Each module (add-on) will need to be individually assessed and evaluated for just what needs to happen - both with its PHP upgrades and any potential database upgrades.

[swguy]

As a last resort, send a PM to its author.

Do not PM the author.
Do not PM the author.
Do not PM the author.

Put a message in the support thread. If noone responds, try adding more information about what you've done yourself to resolve the issue. Repeat as required. If you can't figure it out, hire someone on Odesk. But please do not expect the mod author or current custodian to fix your problem.