Fix database after failed update

Question

So, I recently had an issue with a failure with updating to Joomla 3.6.5. It looks like I was mostly able to recover from the error by manually updating, however there seem to be issues with the database. Fixing the database just produces more errors, and thus isn't a option.

Error

Table 'greentec.#__updates' doesn't exist SQL=SHOW COLUMNS IN `#__updates` WHERE field = 'infourl'
Table 'greentec.#__updates' doesn't exist SQL=SHOW COLUMNS IN `#__updates` WHERE Field = 'categoryid'
Table 'greentec.#__updates' doesn't exist SQL=SHOW COLUMNS IN `#__updates` WHERE field = 'extra_query'
Table 'greentec.#__updates' doesn't exist SQL=SHOW COLUMNS IN `#__updates` WHERE field = 'version' AND type = 'varchar(32)'

and the following list of database problems:

Database schema version (3.4.0-2015-02-26) does not match CMS version (3.6.3-2016-08-16).
Database update version (3.4.8) does not match CMS version (3.6.5).
Table 'zyjgk_updates' does not have column 'infourl'. (From file 2.5.0-2012-01-10.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_updates' should not have column 'categoryid'. (From file 3.0.0.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_updates' does not have column 'extra_query'. (From file 3.2.2-2013-12-22.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_updates' does not have column 'version' with type varchar(32). (From file 3.2.2-2014-01-18.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_session' does not have column 'session_id' with type varchar(191). (From file 3.5.0-2015-07-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_user_keys' does not have column 'series' with type varchar(191). (From file 3.5.0-2015-07-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_contentitem_tag_map' should not have index 'idx_tag'. (From file 3.5.0-2015-10-26.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_contentitem_tag_map' should not have index 'idx_type'. (From file 3.5.0-2015-10-26.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_redirect_links' should not have index 'idx_link_old'. (From file 3.5.0-2016-03-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_redirect_links' does not have column 'old_url' with type VARCHAR(2048). (From file 3.5.0-2016-03-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_redirect_links' does not have column 'new_url' with type VARCHAR(2048);. (From file 3.5.0-2016-03-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_redirect_links' does not have column 'referer' with type VARCHAR(2048). (From file 3.5.0-2016-03-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_redirect_links' does not have index 'idx_old_url'. (From file 3.5.0-2016-03-01.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_user_keys' does not have column 'user_id' with type varchar(150). (From file 3.5.1-2016-03-25.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_redirect_links' does not have column 'new_url' with type VARCHAR(2048);. (From file 3.6.0-2016-04-06.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_menu_types' does not have column 'asset_id'. (From file 3.6.0-2016-04-09.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_languages' does not have column 'asset_id'. (From file 3.6.0-2016-06-05.sql.)
Table 'zyjgk_newsfeeds' does not have column 'link' with type VARCHAR(2048). (From file 3.6.3-2016-08-15.sql.)
The Joomla! Core database tables have not been converted yet to UTF-8 Multibyte (utf8mb4).

The site seem to be functioning for now, but I get database errors when I try to run an update, so I'm sure of how to proceed.

Answer 1

Did you update the machine locally or on a remote server? - It is always a good idea to backup your live machine to a local one, and check the update first. I would roll back a backup, or if that does not help:

1. Make a backup, copy all files and backup database to a local machine;

2. With phpmyadmin or similar program, I would analyze the database with the tables above, e.g. if the zyjgk_updates' does not have column 'infourl' ; and compare the data structure of each table with a new joomla installation. If there are any differences, try to alter the table manually within phpmyadmin.

For me, it looks like, there is a broken table zyjgk_update ... And with more information, the community can deliver also much more help.

Answer 2

If you initially installed Joomla through Cpanel, by default, a backup is automatically created prior to update. I would look into that. I wont beat a dead horse but BACK UP, BACK UP, BACK UP! :)

Now, what may indeed be the problem is a simply fix that should have been done before and/or checked after update..

How to (most likely) fix the error. (also check to see what php and mysql versions you are running)

Before updating and/or after your instance of Joomla you need to fix the database tables for the site. The database tool can be found under the extensions manager > database tab in your site's admin.

• Once on this screen you should see that there are errors in the database.

• If there are errors click the fix button in the top right hand corner.

• After the fix button has been clicked you should see a success message as per the screenshot below.

Note: pay no mind to the pics and joomla version. It is the same concept.

And Lastly - Perform a back up now if all went well.