which files do we backup before upgrdaing to a new version. I don't want the setting being lost

The files that you are NOT wanting to upload are the vars_ files. Do not upload them. The only exception to this are the vars_wordlet files. It's ok to upload those. But do not upload the other vars_ files or you will lose all the settings.

Now that the Ketzer told you what NOT to upload, AKD96 shall instruct you on what to backup.

In order to assure a safe and effective backup, you much backup your "public_html" folder on your server, or whatever you name it. In addition, after backing up, you must reboot. After you have rebooted, delete your entire "public_html" folder. Reboot again. Once your server is back up, do a low-level format of whatever drive the "public_html" folder resided. (Be sure to back up the drive first.) Once that is complete, reboot. Then load your drive back from your backups that you made before formatting. After all of this is done, delete the "public_html" folder again and reboot. Finally, when your server comes back up, logon as "Dumbo" and upload the updated files.

Oh, then reboot again.