Is this safe? (Restart..)
 

Hello,
Having some issues, trying to determine if it is my custom web style, so I'd like to start over, yet keeping all the user/posts/avatar data. Two questions please.

I'd like to remove ALL of the files on the FTP, and do a temporary redirect so when my users visit my page, it will take them to a "Under Construction" page.

#1During this time, I will install the forum software under mysite.com/temporary_location/ that they cannot access. I will do all the testing/upgrades under this directory. When it is to my liking, I can just change the location to "forums".

Is this okay?

#2 Is the album photos and avatars saved under the FTP? What information will I lose?

Plus I'd rather do this every time a new upgrade is out, I do not like "overwriting" files.

Thank you.

Install vBulletin on a new database, and then use ImpEx to import what you need from the other database (as this seems like what you want to do).
It depends where you've chosen to store them (check Admin CP).

To troubleshoot if your style is the cause of your problems, please create a new Style with no Parent set. Now browse the forum using this new style, do you still have the same problems? If you are troubleshooting login or guest issues, you will need to set this style as board default in the vBulletin Options.