ok, lets slow down a bit.

You copied your site files over to that directory?

You imported that dump to a new database and changed the config on the test site to match?

If you did the above and still not working then change your test site htaccess to 1.htaccess and try adding the forum path to the config in the test site to match the test site path. If you need to change the site path for the test site and cannot access the admincp you can go into the admincp settings in the new database and change the path there.

Also, turn off the password htaccess for now until we get it set and working..

I know Vbulletin lists one of the methods as changing the paths first. I never do that and always go into the database to do it so the main site isn't impacted. It should not matter though for this purpose.

To troubleshoot also try disabling the main site htaccess by renaming it 1.htaccess .. if you still can't get access than it rules out that being the issue.

Ok I got a database error, which is a decent sign. Even after changing the .htaccess to 1.htaccess I'm still not getting asked to log in, which I don't like. I'm going to double check the master password.

what is the cookie path set to? / ? Plus, you would still see the site, just not be able to log in. I don't think that is the cause. What about file permissions? This would not rediect you to main site but would limit access.

I really appreciate your help, but I will need to avoid taking the site offline any more today. It's our two year birthday and I want us to look good! :)

I'm checking the SQL password, so if that works I'll let you guys know.

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I forgot the change this when I was making and exporting the new database from my main one. I wouldn't be surprised if I can't log in to the new site but I should be able to connect.

At the point you are at now, you should not have to take the live site offline anymore.

It's definitely the log in for the db. Where can I find this? I am waiting on my host but trying to look in phpmyadmin as well.

Yeah, that is why I do not use the "change the site details before" approach. I just copy everything over and then change the details in the database and never touch the main site.

I set up test sites at least one or twice a month when ever I am doing something major or something untested. It is a good way to see if something works without causing issues for someone.:)

--------------- Added [DATE]1390783716[/DATE] at [TIME]1390783716[/TIME] ---------------

It depends on your server panel but it should be under where you created the database and the database username..

Success! The cookies don't seem to be causing any problems... is that working ok because I gave them both different prefixes?

I'm excited. Thank you both very much!!!

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I still need to password protect it. Don't want people signing up for it. :D

You can also turn the test site off so admins only see it and yes password protecting the directory is a good idea.

Not sure how you have the cookie paths set. I usually leave them default for test sites which is blank I believe.

You also do not want it being crawled and indexed. :)

What I would do also is start by making any changes to the test site small ones, to make sure it is for certain not copying it to the live site in anyway. :)