getting ports updated on an older FreeBSD (5.1)

[Cary]

Warren Block <wblock at wonkity.com> writes:

> On Tue, 23 Jun 2015, Cary wrote:
>
>> Warren Block <wblock at wonkity.com> writes:
>>
>>> On Tue, 23 Jun 2015, Matthew Seaman wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 06/23/15 08:59, Christoph Kukulies wrote:

>>>>> I'm wondering whether it would be possible to
>>>>> run a 10.1 executable under 5.1 (possible link it statically?).
>>>>

>>>> Your quickest and most reliable way forward is to upgrade your FreeBSD
>>>> box to something supported.  Given you're starting from such an old
>>
>>
>>> Agreed, except I would suggest a completely separate computer for the
>>> new install.  Old stuff that has been running for years can be fragile.
>>> Moving a cable that has been motionless for years can make it fail, and
>>> it's somehow a given that these systems are never backed up.
>>>
>>
>> Were that the case, could there be any risk running a 10.1 executable
>> on such a system?
>
> I would be surprised if a 10.1 executable would run on a 5.1 system. 
> But that misses the point.  Do not try to run modern binaries on an
> ancient system.  Set up a new 10.1 system, install new versions of the 
> same software, and copy configuration and data files from the old one. 
> Trying to update a 5.1 system in-place or run newer binaries on it is 
> unlikely to work.  If it does work, it's probably going to be shaky. 
> If it doesn't work, trying to get it to work will almost certainly take 
> more time than setting up a new 10.1 system and configuring it with 
> modern versions of the same applications, then copying data and 
> configuration.
>
> Look at it this way: trying to do anything with a FreeBSD 5.1 system is 
> pretty much file recovery.  Many, many things have changed since then.

Yes, what you recommend is also what I would do.
Upgrading is the OP's best option.
Changes since 5.1 could be why he has not installed
a recent version of FreeBSD.  Copying over the old configuration he
has been using may appear difficult also.