How can I upgrade my site from 6.4.4 UBB threads to 7.2 UBB threads?

Make sure you have member area access.
Upgrade your current install to 6.5.5
Import the data into a new 7.2.2 install.

That's the upgrade path you are looking to.

I have an upgrade/migration guide from UBB.T6.5.x to UBB.Threads7 available here

I have checked the version 6.5.5, there is list of changed files for upgradation from 5.1.2b5 to 6.3.1 only. I need instruction for 6.4.4 to 6.5.5

I would suggest uploading all files - as there are big changes to 7.2.x and you have to import, the only essential item is to get the database updated to 6.5.5 which will then allow you to import into 7.2.x

BTW - you can then worry about any customisation and work until you have 7.2.x up and running.

Just load up the UPGRADING.html file in the 6.5.5 zip. That will give you instructions to follow. Once you reach version 6.4 I believe then it's a matter of running the upgrade.php script to get you to 6.5.5.

Thanks Rick. Hopefully your directions do the trick.

My forums are located at:
http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ubbthreads.php

When the upgrade is complete will my forums look the same? If not what kind of challenges can I expect to get things looking and feeling the same.

Will the upgrade be transparent to my users? If not what kind of changes will I have to communicate to our users?

Once you have upgraded, then you will need to adjust items such as your header & footer and any modifications to the default stylesheet.

Of course there is nothing to stop you from setting up a temporary forum to customise these items, but it cannot run as a live forum unless you have a licence for it - but a temporary test one is fine (AFAIK)

I think as far as your users are concerned, I would tell them about new features that you might take advantage of such as the gallery.

So the current headers and footers won't stay as is?