Moving vbulletin to a new host - the process?
 

We're moving our forum to a new host with a new domain name for various reasons. We're using a different domain name just so we can get everything moved over and tested ahead of time without having to bring our forum down. When all is working well with a backup of the database, we'll lock the existing forum down, get a fresh dump of our databases and test again. Once all is well, we'll point the old domain name to the new domain name.

Currently, I have all site files and databases imported on the new domain.

I THINK I have all of the config files for vbulletin and other add-ons pointing correctly to the new host. However, when I tried to load the site up, I get a blank page with a database error on it. It just says Database error: the datbase encountered a problem and then the usual other jargan about trying to refresh or contact the system admin. Does anyone have an idea of what I could have missed or if there's something else I must do to make the site load up?

Thanks!
Buster

When you created the new database, did you use the exact same database name and prefix as well as username and password?

Sounds like maybe you didn't. Check your /includes/config.php file to make sure the database connection parameters are correct for the new site.

Also, you should have received an email with more details about the cause of the error.

HTH

Yeah I made a point to keep the DB name and password the same to prevent from having to change even more stuff in all of the config files.

I was trying to keep it so all I had to do was change the "DB server name" and the "full path to the forum directory" in config.php.

However, I just opened my config file to assure I didn't have a typo somewhere. I found my DB server name had a space after it before closing the quote and it will now connect, but just gives me a blank white page. When I type the full URL to admincp, it gives me a login prompt. When I enter my login info and submit, I get a blank white page.

Any ideas on that?

Thanks!

--------------- Added [DATE]1223475440[/DATE] at [TIME]1223475440[/TIME] ---------------

OK, here's what I've found but am not sure what I'm missing. I cleared my server log and tried a single time to load the home page of my forum. This is the error that was produced:

The first path referenced is my OLD host, the second path referenced is my NEW host. So, where have I missed updating the path the the forum in the files. I've made the change in config.php and uploaded it to the new host, overwriting the existing file.

Where could I have missed this reference if it's correct in forums/includes/config.php

Hard coded in a hack?

The second path is where it's running, the first where it's looking. Check the config.php for duplicate lines with the old host info.

I looked in config just for a portion of the reference to the old host using 'sammy' and found njothing in the current config file on the NEW host.

Where would I begin to look for it being hard-coded in a hacK?

Thanks for your help by the way.

Buster

Not knowing what hacks you use, I just put that out there because some hacks have that in it. You may not have it at all. But something is afoot.

Are you sure the config.php is being overwritten when you upload?

Yeah, the datestamp is correct on the one on the server. However, I just FTPed it again just for kicks and get the same error in the log.

IF it were a hack I have, where would I look for it? Meaning in what file(s)?

Thanks!
Buster

Look at what hacks you have and read the instructions. Like I said, it was an idea, not an absolute.

Search for sammythedog in files and hook code.

When you say hacks, do you mean items like adding vbgallery or vbportal, or plugins that were installed through admincp?

Yes, exactly. Sorry, old school talk.

Any add ons, modifications, plug ins or products you added to your forum.