Upgrading Ubuntu 22.04 to 24.04: A Nextcloud Odyssey

A Tale of Trials and Triumphs

Recently, I dared on the journey of upgrading my Ubuntu server from 22.04 to 24.04. While the process itself was relatively smooth, I encountered a few hiccups with my Nextcloud instance.

The Challenge:

After the upgrade, my Nextcloud instance was experiencing various issues, primarily related to performance and functionality. The root cause turned out to be a combination of missing PHP packages and misconfigured server settings.

The Troubleshooting Journey:

1. Missing PHP Packages: The first hurdle was the absence of essential PHP packages. These packages, which are crucial for Nextcloud's optimal performance, were not automatically installed during the upgrade process. To resolve this, I had to manually install the missing packages, specifically the PHP Redis extension.

2. Misconfigured Nginx: The second challenge involved Nginx configuration. The upgrade process didn't automatically update the Nginx configuration to point to the new PHP-FPM socket. This resulted in Nextcloud requests being handled incorrectly. I had to manually edit the Nginx configuration file to point to the correct PHP-FPM socket.

Lessons Learned and Tips for Future Upgrades:

• Backup, Backup, Backup: Before any major system change, always create a full system backup.
• Check PHP Package Compatibility: Ensure that all required PHP packages are installed and compatible with the new Ubuntu version.
• Review Nginx Configuration: Double-check Nginx configurations, especially after system upgrades, to ensure they point to the correct PHP-FPM socket.
• Test Thoroughly: After making changes, thoroughly test your Nextcloud instance to identify and resolve any issues.
• Consult Community Forums: Online communities like the Nextcloud forum can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and seeking advice.

By addressing these issues, I was able to successfully restore my Nextcloud instance to full functionality. I hope this experience helps others who may encounter similar challenges during their Ubuntu upgrades.