# DentalCare v0.9.2.0 Installation and Update Guide

## Update an existing installation

1. Confirm the current database is reachable and cPanel can create files.
2. Create an off-server database backup and copy `storage/private` securely.
3. Extract the update ZIP into the DentalCare application root and overwrite matching files.
4. Do not upload `config/generated.php`, live sessions, logs, backups, or private files from another installation.
5. Sign in through the primary Superuser workspace.
6. Open **System Setup → Updates & Database**.
7. Apply `0.9.2.0_update_state_release_manifest_client_docs` once.
8. Confirm Installed and Package release both show `0.9.2.0`, Status is **Up to date**, and no update button remains.

## Fresh installation

Use the licensed full installer generated by the owner package builder. A release package must include `config/release_manifest.json` but must not contain live credentials, installation locks, sessions, logs, backups, or private records.

## Recovery

Do not repeatedly retry when MySQL or hosting storage is unavailable. Restore service first, then reopen Updates & Database. Completed migrations are reconciled from the migration ledger and are not replayed.
