Local mirror of existing live forum.
 

I'm sure this is covered somewhere within the 120 pages of this subforum, but I only have a week to do this. :nervous:
I have after much trial and error figured out how to install a new forum locally to work on, but what I really need to do is mirror my existing forum so I can do all my upgrades/hacks locally before taking it live.
I hope to minimize downtime of my site and make the transition as seamless as possible this way.

I have copied my entire forum directory and also downloaded a backup of the db.
I simply do not know how to import the old db into a new one. I am slogging away, trying to use impex to accomplish this, but after numerous failed attempts, thought it would be best to ask for knowledgable advice.

Just create a new database, and restore the backup into it. You can find instructions on how to restore a database in teh online vB Manual.

Thanks, I have looked thru the vbulletin online manual. I'm afraid I don't know how to use telnet on my local machine, although I have certainly tried.
OK, guess its back to trial and error then, if I do figure it out, I will post the steps I find that do work.
Thanks anyway.

For your local machine, you don't need to use telnet.

Asuming this is a Windows machine, just go to Start->Run->cmd

From the commandline follow the instructions as if it was a Telnet connection.

Thank You Marco! That is a very helpful tidbit of info indeed!
You would be amazed by how much time you can save a floundering newb with a detail like that.
Thanks again, now I can keep whats left of the hair I haven't pulled out already.

Hehe, reminds me that i really need a haircut, can sent you some of mine. :D