Install Suite 4.0 then move 3.8?

[howard007]

Hi,

If I install a fresh suite 4.0 vs upgrade my 3.8 is this the best solution? If I do this, can I then import my forums? If so how?

Need as much advice on best process without losing my forums that have 1000's of messages.

Thanks

[Lynne]

No, you should not import your forums. You should make a copy of your database and do a practice upgrade and get your style and mods working then. Then export your style and mods, upgrade your real site, and import your style and mods.

[howard007]

Ok thanks. Can I get some hand holding. :)

I'm using a cpanel system and I do have root shell.

Can you tell me best way to backup and what I would backup?

I assume I would use this backup for the test site?

Also to make sure I am clear. It is best for me to clean install suite 4.0 and then once you clarify if I will be using the backup which I would need to know how to bring in the backup.

Thanks for taking the time for the details. :)

[Lynne]

These are from the manual:
Backing Up The Database via SSH/Telnet (http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/../docs/html/maintenance_ssh_backup) or
Backing Up The Database via phpMyAdmin (http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/../docs/html/maintenance_phpmyadmin_backup)

Restoring The Database via SSH/Telnet (http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/../docs/html/maintenance_ssh_restore) or
Restoring The Database via phpMyAdmin (http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/../docs/html/maintenance_phpmyadmin_restore)

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)


You may want to head over to vbulletin.com because the whole installation process has been discussed several times before (I think there is even an article on it).