Cannot put off server upgrade any longer. Need Advice
 

Ok here is my delima. My old dedicated server 1.3ghz 512mb is just about out of steam. My VB is starting to run slower than dirt. So I guess it is time for upgrade.

My problem is my VB is 3.5.4 (I know I know) with quite a few plugins / hacks done. I cannot get them to xfer HD to new box so I will have to deal with Cent Ent 5.x with PHP 5.x and Mysql 5.x.. How much trouble am I in right about now? :confused:

The only reliable method of backing up and restoring a database is with shell access via telnet or ssh. This is because backing up with a PHP script like that in the Admin CP or phpMyAdmin can result in PHP timeouts errors and an incomplete backup file. Please see the instructions here:

Backup:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/m...nce_ssh_backup

Restore:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/m...ce_ssh_restore

P.S. If you don't have shell access, some people have also reported success with these scripts:

MySQLDumper:
http://www.mysqldumper.de/en/index.php

MySQLHotxcopy:
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showt...t=mysqlhotcopy

Bigdump:
http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump.php

Also make sure you move the files. If you have stored attachments/avatars/profile pictures/etc. in the filesystem, those will need to be moved as well.

No trouble really, just a lot of work for you to do!

My question was more around can I remain with my 3.5.4 install with the newer versions of PHP & MySQL (and any other thing I'm not thinking of at the moment).. I know what would be entailed in upgrading my existing VB version to the latest and I don't look forward to that right now. I'd rather just move the files and database but have them run on the newer versions of PHP and MySQL stated above.

This is a dedicated server of mine so shell access isn't a problem.

There should be no issue.

If you have problems with mysql 5.x try changing the mysql value info at config.php from mysql to mysqli