SMF TP question/ Version Combatability ?

[rollingrock]

Hello again

I am stressing out a little and I have some noobie questions.

Currently I am running two SFM forums. 

One is running SMF V 1.1.6 with the newer version of TP 0.9.8, works great (the new one that Ich posted a few months back)

The other is running SMF V 1.1.4 with the older version of TP 098, also works great.

I am a little concerned b/c I get messages from both admin panels telling me to up grade to SMF 1.1.7.  If I do that I am a little confused as to how to do the upgrade and in what order and if the newer version of 0.9.8 will work with SMF 1.1.7

For the first site that needs to go to 1.1.7 do I just use the upload package manager and do the upgrade or should I use the SMF site and reinstall or "upgrade"  What happens to my TP when I do that?   Any gotchas?   Do I reinstall or will it be there?  What should i back up?  The DB/MySQL or the Forum table structure?  Do I reinstall TP or will it be there after I upgrade to 1.1.7?
Site is http://www.kellercycling.com/forum/smf/index.php


For the second second site, if I do the upgrade to version 1.1.4 then to 1.1.7 I know I will have to reload TP .0.9.8 (the newer version)....my question on this one is, will I loose any of my TP settings if I do that?  What is the best way to do these upgrades? 
Site is http://www.thedetailerscafe.com/smf/index.php

I apologize in advanced for my noobie questions, I have zero ability to use MySQL or right code, I am hopeful this isn't too hard.

Thanks

RR

[JPDeni]

Try upgrading through the package manager. It will likely work and you won't have to worry about anything else.

If you have to uninstall TP for an upgrade, you will not lose your settings.

[rollingrock]

Try upgrading through the package manager. It will likely work and you won't have to worry about anything else.

If you have to uninstall TP for an upgrade, you will not lose your settings.

Ok, the site running 1.1.6 upgraded in like 15 seconds to v 1.1.7...now I just have to figure out how to do my other site running the over version of 098.