DB question concerning test install replacing live install.

[carubmun]

Live Install is loaded with a lot of junk left over from various skins/hacks that have been added and removed over time.
I wish to start fresh with a new install of 3.8.0 and not upgrade my current forums.

So i made a new dummy database and named it vbtest. I used this database to install a fresh version of vB in a separate folder named testforum.

Now, the plan is to only add the hacks that i absolutely need, the forum skin i plan to use, and whatever template edits i need... and then somehow switch out this installs database with the database of my current live install.

Then i delete my previous live site and the dummy database.
And move change the name of the testforum folder to simply "forum" like my current live install has.

Is it possible to switch out the databases?
Or can they be merged into one database? (would that end up with two admin accounts?)

Basically i just want to work on my test 3.8.0 forum on the side, without disturbing my live forum till i think the test forum is ready to go.

Amy suggestions?

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Styles, modifications etc.. they all are installed into your database. If you switch database, you also switch your style & modifications.

[carubmun]

Styles, modifications etc.. they all are installed into your database. If you switch database, you also switch your style & modifications.

Could certain aspects of the database be excluded?
Like the styles and mods for instance?

[Marco van Herwaarden]

No.

You will either need to uninstall them as intended, or transfer all members, posts etc.. to a new clean database using ImpEx.

PS Please note that this would change all your links.

[carubmun]

Thanks Marco.