Downgrading from vb4 to vb3 using Impex Query

[m002.p]

Hello,

I read the following tutorial:

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=255104

This worked well but I have a few questions about Impex when used in this format.

Let me explain my situation.

I have created two folders on my web server called 'forum' - vb4 & 'forums' - vb3. Both have their own databases vb4 and vb3 being my latest backup in this version of vbulletin.

My general problem was I did NOT backup before upgrading to vb4. My last backup of vb3 was a few months old too so I want to now transfer all the up to date posts, threads, users etc from the vb4 forum to the old backup of vb3.

When I used the linked tutorial above before, it put prefixes on my imported usergroups, users etc. This is no use to me as I have 1000s of members and I do not want to rename manually same with usergroups. So using Impex, can I simply overwrite any exact matches instead of create duplicates with prefixes?

Or is there a better way of just updating my outdated vb3 forum with the latest info etc from the vb4 forum?

Any help appreciated

Matt

[Videx]

My general problem was I did NOT backup before upgrading to vb4. wtf? You're actually listed as a "coder", but you not only don't do regular backups, you don't even backup when making a major revision change???

I don't know. Why is it you want to downgrade to vb3? If it's some specific mod that isn't working you may be better off finding one that does.

And for god's sake you need to implement a regular backup strategy.

[Zachery]

the "downgrade" process will not only cost you attachments, but likely any search engine rankings if you value them.

What is so wrong with vB4 that you cannot get past it?

[m002.p]

wtf? You're actually listed as a "coder", but you not only don't do regular backups, you don't even backup when making a major revision change???

I don't know. Why is it you want to downgrade to vb3? If it's some specific mod that isn't working you may be better off finding one that does.

And for god's sake you need to implement a regular backup strategy.

Thanks for your valued feedback. Being a "coder" I managed to work things out no problem in the end ;)

If you really must know I did not backup because I thought someone else on my site did as agreed. So thanks for your extremely helpful post it really assisted me with the issue at hand :)

the "downgrade" process will not only cost you attachments, but likely any search engine rankings if you value them.

What is so wrong with vB4 that you cannot get past it?

Its horrible for current plugin / addons from v3. The template revision I couldnt work out so back to vb3 it was sadly :(

Anyway, problem is sorted.

[Zachery]

plugins/addons didn't change much from vb3 to vb4, mostly template functions changed.

[m002.p]

Yes and that was sad as I really valued the simplicity of the old templates & style vars etc. :(