Test Version of VB

[TimberFloorAu]

I recall someone saying you can utilise a test version of VB , under your license agreement.

I have searchd, but cant find the info.

Essentially, I want to crank up a test version, style it, and if possible import threads and posts and users, but no modifications.

Is this dooable, if so, dummies guide please

I note:

If you have a valid Software license, you may set up an additional test forum in order to test code, template and database modifications. To make this clear to us and our license verification procedures, place it in a directory called 'testvb' and be sure to password protect it. It must not be accessible by the general public.

So we have set this up, can we import user database and stuff, to test ? if so how

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Can we just use the config db details of existing forum ?

If so will it affect the existing database?

[Lynne]

A test site is for testing new products/plugins and creating new styles/templates... that sort of thing. You can't go create new content on the test site and then do a database dump of just this content and somehow upload it to your new site.

[TimberFloorAu]

Sorry didnt mean that Lynne.

What I am trying to do, is start clean again.

But without losing user database info, posts and threads.

I think its called reverting, but not wholly up on that.

Essentially, I want to start with a clean install of VB on a new customized style, with all posts threads and user info intact.

Does that kinda make sense ?

[Lynne]

Maybe you aare wanting to use Impex? I've never done that, but they have a forum dedicated to that on vb.com so you can ask over there about what you need to do to start fresh.

[TimberFloorAu]

Originally Posted by Lynne

Maybe you aare wanting to use Impex? I've never done that, but they have a forum dedicated to that on vb.com so you can ask over there about what you need to do to start fresh.

Cheers, I have always wondered what Impex was.

Will go see :up:

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Ok looked at Impex, crikey its a tad daunting huh.

Reet I have thought of another method, not sure if it will work.

However this is what I think I could do, could you concur please:

We have forum running, approx 1000 members 130,000 posts 15,000 threads etc etc etc

Heavily Heavily modded.

I wanna start from scratch, ie, from vbulletin clean install.. but retain all db posts threads and users...

Sooo...

is this sort of the correct methodology.

1. backup db.
2. systematically, remove each product and plugin ( custom )
3. delete that product plugins associated files, via ftp.

4. this is the bit I am finding tricky.

All of the templates, etc, postbit_legacy forumhome, blah blah blah...


To revert these to the original, do you just click revert ?

Never tempted clicking revert ( assume it means revert to normal )

Or do I do a combination and reupload the original xml file for VB

Then , import new custom style

And away we go again ?

Or is there a better way ?

[Winterworks]

Yes, that's how I'd do it also. Uninstall all plugins in the AdminCP, and then manually remove any files left behind in your ACP.

Yes, clicking the revert button revert's it back to the original vBulletin style, but you must manually do this for every single template (from what I'm aware.. there may or may not be an easier way).

[cad2go]

If you make a new style based on none then you'll get the original vb blue style.