How do I test before upgrading.
 

Ok I have two sites, one is a new 4.0.3 the other is about 5 years old and still on 3.8.4. The older one is heavily modified with VBA photopost gallery, classifieds and reviews. Im a little concerned about upgrading. I realize Ill need to revert templates and remove hacks but thats not my main concern. Over the years theres been allot of trial and error and theres at least 3 versions of tables in the database. I want to upgrade to 4.0.3 but I haven't purchased the new license for that domain.

I know its OK with VB to have a test site as long as its not public. So my question is this. Can I make a complete copy of the older site, database and all then use the 4.0.3 code from the new site to test? I would hate to spend the money for an upgrade I cant use.

Also is it possible to upload a complete 4.0.3 Suite and just add the member, posts, and attachments from a 3.8.4 version? If it can be done some pointers would be great.

Thanks for your time. :D

Yes, you should create a test site by copying your live site database and then doing a test upgrade. There are articles on vb.com on how to create a test site from your live database.

Thanks Lynne your always so helpful. :D:D:D

Any ideal on adding members from one site to a new installation. (old is 3.8.4 and new is 4.0.3) would version corrupt the tables if I only added the members?

And if anyone knows what tables should be copied and added?

You may be able to use Impex to import users and posts. This is something to test on a test site. Your old urls will no longer work though since all threadids, postids, and userids will be different.