Cannot put off server upgrade any longer. Need Advice

[dwbro1]

Ok here is my delima. My old dedicated server 1.3ghz 512mb is just about out of steam. My VB is starting to run slower than dirt. So I guess it is time for upgrade.

My problem is my VB is 3.5.4 (I know I know) with quite a few plugins / hacks done. I cannot get them to xfer HD to new box so I will have to deal with Cent Ent 5.x with PHP 5.x and Mysql 5.x.. How much trouble am I in right about now? :confused:

[Dismounted]

The only reliable method of backing up and restoring a database is with shell access via telnet or ssh. This is because backing up with a PHP script like that in the Admin CP or phpMyAdmin can result in PHP timeouts errors and an incomplete backup file. Please see the instructions here:

Backup:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_backup

Restore:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_restore

P.S. If you don't have shell access, some people have also reported success with these scripts:

MySQLDumper:
http://www.mysqldumper.de/en/index.php

MySQLHotxcopy:
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134821&highlight=mysqlhotcopy

Bigdump:
http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump.php

Also make sure you move the files. If you have stored attachments/avatars/profile pictures/etc. in the filesystem, those will need to be moved as well.

[snakes1100]

No trouble really, just a lot of work for you to do!

[dwbro1]

My question was more around can I remain with my 3.5.4 install with the newer versions of PHP & MySQL (and any other thing I'm not thinking of at the moment).. I know what would be entailed in upgrading my existing VB version to the latest and I don't look forward to that right now. I'd rather just move the files and database but have them run on the newer versions of PHP and MySQL stated above.

This is a dedicated server of mine so shell access isn't a problem.

[snakes1100]

There should be no issue.

[COBRAws]

My question was more around can I remain with my 3.5.4 install with the newer versions of PHP & MySQL (and any other thing I'm not thinking of at the moment).. I know what would be entailed in upgrading my existing VB version to the latest and I don't look forward to that right now. I'd rather just move the files and database but have them run on the newer versions of PHP and MySQL stated above.

This is a dedicated server of mine so shell access isn't a problem.
If you have problems with mysql 5.x try changing the mysql value info at config.php from mysql to mysqli