Update issues (3.3.4 to 3.4.1)

[Aglaea]

I want to update one website from 3.3.4 to 3.4.1 (even though I have no idea why I should, what the bug fixes and new features are, etc...). I just doesn't work. These are my issues:

1) When I choose "write files directly", I get a warning that some file can't be updated,
2) I constantly get messages that files are not readable. Why doesn't the installer check before if it can go through the install successfully?
3) at some point, when I keep changing permissions of directories, the administration console is no longer working and I can get my back-up of last night and start again,
4) when I try to do the install with FTP and I enter all the FTP info that works for my CODA, I get a totally vague and useless error and there is no install... but I have NO IDEA what I did wrong!

Who has similar issues?
How can I request a proper check with the install and better error messages? This way I won't upgrade Joomla on this domain anymore. It's too buggy and too risky.

[jcms]

backup one version first.... then use package update and install via extension manager.

[sovainfo]

Suggest to use a more reliable and properly configured infrastructure to upgrade your site.

Each of your problems are due to the fact the webserver doesn't have write access to the webspace. Not meeting that requirement is going to give you all kind of issues, including the ones you mention with updating.
When properly configuring the webserver is too much to ask, take your site to a local envrionment that is under your control. Upgrade there and move the upgraded site back to your provider. See docs.joomla.org for moving your site.

Suggest to look for a different provider, one that understands this business. Assuming you haven't messed up yourself!

[Webdongle]

http://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f=621&t=582860 please