How to upgrade FileField when nodes exist?

I have a question about upgrading from one version of FileField to another.

As I go from one to another what is the prescribed method of upgrading? Considering that with populated filefield_meta and filefild_paths tables (since I have nodes with file associated via FileField) do I simply move the new filefield directory in and not perform any steps with Drupal's admin?

If not then do I have to perform a formal uninstall and remove tables? If I do this, then will that harm Content Types definitions and existing nodes which have files in FF's?

Note that if I try this simple method then I get the following when i try to upload a file to a new node:
user warning: Unknown column 'audio_format' in 'field list' query: INSERT INTO filefield_meta (fid, width, height, duration, audio_format, audio_sample_rate, audio_channel_mode, audio_bitrate, audio_bitrate_mode) VALUES (56, 726, 669, 0, '', 0, '', 0, '') in /var/www/html/includes/common.inc on line 3422.

Background:
I'm trying to launch a site that is multi-user, and nodes will have many attachments, some with GB's of uploads and forcing large files to attached as several 500MB segments. So a solid solution is desperately needed. At present I can delete all attachment and empty filefield_meta and filefild_paths if necessary, but soon I won't be able to. -- I'm trying to get past a problem with uploading 3+ files at once (php runs amok and IE7 issues).

I'm testing each version with a wide variety files, in many browsers, etc., and eger to reach a stable point, so I'm happy to provide testing feedback if useful to anyone. I just need to know how to hop from one build to another.

Thanks in advance. (PS, if there's an alternative to FF then that could buy me some time while FF undergoes more development, but it seems to me that FF is really the way to go!)