Resolving a Down for Maintenance Message
After performing an update, a Down for Maintenance (Err 2) or (Err 3) error may occur when visiting WHMCS pages:
Causes
This message displays while the update process is in progress. If an update is not currently being applied, it indicates a version mismatch between the PHP files and the MySQL database.
Some possible causes for this error include:
- The auto-updater was terminated before it could complete.
- A new version of PHP files have been uploaded but the update process has not yet been performed.
- A patch set was manually applied to an incompatible version of the software.
Resolution
Follow these steps to complete the update process:
1. Visit the install sub-directory within your WHMCS directory. For example: www.yoursite.com/whmcs/install
A screen like this will display:
If a 404 Page Not Found error is displayed instead, refer to the Performing a Manual Update documentation and follow all steps for a Full Release Version
2. Agree to the End User License Agreement.
3. Click Continue at the bottom of the next screen:
4. Make a backup of the WHMCS MySQL database.
5. Click Start the Upgrade.
The database update process will now commence:
Within a few minutes, a success message should be displayed:
If an Upgrade Failed message is displayed instead, refer to the Updating WHMCS Troubleshooting section for assistance
6. Delete the install sub-directory from your server.
7. Click the link to return to the admin area.
8. Ensure that the version number in the Admin Dashboard sidebar or in Configuration > System Health (Help > System Health Status prior to WHMCS 8.0) is the version you were updating to:
9. If you have custom themes, you will also need to review and make any necessary changes to your custom templates. For more information, see the Template Changes section of the Release Notes.
The update process is now complete and you can continue using WHMCS, enjoying the new features and stability improvements of the latest update!
We recommend reviewing the Release Notes