Upgrading with Hacks?

[DJ RRebel]

Thanks for your help Xenon !!!

I posted the following post at vB.com ... but I'm guessing vB.org is a little faster for helping others out, so I hope you guys don't mind me posting some questions here, as I'd like to get this all done within the next 24 hours or so and still have a few issues I need to be sure about ...

------- Post from vB.com ------

Heya ... I've been using UBB for my community for a couple of years now, and would really like to switch over, but have a few questions first.

Firstly, I just want to be clear about the importing. My UBB has 10000 members and about 20000 total posts in 27 forums. I'm using UBB version 6.04c running on a shared Windows 2000 server that I have FTP access to (I don't have physical access to the server).

I'm looking for a new host, and would like to transfer to vB at the same time. Here are some of my questions:

1- Looking at the information above, do I fall into any exception where my board cannot be converted 100%?

2- Can I import from my old server directly to the new one? Or do I have to upload the old one to my new host first?

3- How long should I expect the convertion to take (I understand it must vary alot, but an estimated range of time would help me plan ahead, as I don't want to have to go to work in the middle of it or something).

4- Where can I access the full instructions for the UBB 6.0 conversion tool BEFORE I buy? I realise why access to the program itself should be limited to subscribers, but I would like to be able to read the instructions before I purchase, so I can have a better understanding of what I'm actually getting myself into ... lol.

5- Does the converter delete or change in any way the old data?

6- Do I need to install vB before doing the conversion?

7- I know absolutely nothing about MySQL, will I have any problems (particularly with installation and set-up of the database itself)?

I also have a few questions about vB in general

8- Is there a feature, where I can e-mail older members who have never posted, requiring them to click on a link within x days to keep their membership active?

9- I had problems with e-mail configuration with UBB. Is there any e-mail setting I need to get from my potential host? (My current Windows host has a seperate outgoing mail server for webforms and stuff).

10- Can some of you with larger communities recommend a good host that isn't too expensive?

11- Can some of you with larger communities think of any potential pitfalls or problems I may encounter?

12- Are there any permision/configuration settings I need to worry about for vB or the database itself?

Bear in mind, I have installed UBB on my own (took me a couple of attempts and a call to my host's tech support), but I'm not an expert in any way.

Thanks tons in advance for your help ... I'm looking forward to using your product !!!