Moving Attachments to a Different Host

[too_cool_3]

Hi,

In AdminCP>Attachments>Attachment Storage Type, there is an option to Move Items to a Different Directory. I'm exploring the idea of moving attachments off my vBulletin host's server (to save space) onto a cheaper shared hosting server.

I was advised by support on vbulletin.com that there is no way to enter a path that is to a different host. You may only enter a path that is relative to the server root. If I want to host attachments on a different server, I would need to modify the code to do this.

Does anyone here know how to do this or can give me instruction?

I'm hoping there is a relatively simple way to go about this that won't break the existing links of all attachments on my forum forcing users to re-upload everything. Would there be any other problems that would arise from doing this?

Regards,

Marc

[RichieBoy67]

First off make sure your attachments are being stored as files. Then use ftp to download them and upload them to the new host. There are other ways but this is probably the easiest way.

#oh wait.. I mis read the post. You are staying on the same server but want your attachments on another server? That is really going to slow you down. i would not suggest it.

[too_cool_3]

Yes, my forum will stay where it is but I'm exploring the idea of moving/hosting attachments (essentially pictures) on a different (cheaper) server. Would it be that bad?

[tbworld]

If problems were to occur with your new setup, could you troubleshoot it yourself or would you end up having to pay someone to fix the problem. Always look at the total cost and time of an implementation.

If your vbulletin savvy, create a test board and fool around with your idea. You might loose a bit of time, but you will learn a few new things. Never try an implementation like this on your production site until it has been extensively tested. If this all seems difficult, then you need to examine what you are doing.

Here is a couple of threads on the subject.
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=220237
https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=312951

[Zachery]

Honestly, its overly complex for very little payoff.

[too_cool_3]

Originally Posted by Zachery

Honestly, its overly complex for very little payoff.

My reasoning behind this is because my forum is currently on a vBulletin optimized host ($$$). The forum is running great and takes up very little space itself. However, the attachments (mostly all pictures) are starting to climb and occupy a lot of space on the server.

I was thinking if I could move just the attachments to a cheaper shared host (e.g. Bluehost shared hosting offers 100GB of storage for only ~$3.50/mo) then I can save myself quite a lot of hard-earned money instead of bumping up to the next tier with my current host - I really don't need any of the extras or performance it comes with besides the added space.

[RichieBoy67]

Originally Posted by too_cool_3

My reasoning behind this is because my forum is currently on a vBulletin optimized host ($$$). The forum is running great and takes up very little space itself. However, the attachments (mostly all pictures) are starting to climb and occupy a lot of space on the server.

I was thinking if I could move just the attachments to a cheaper shared host (e.g. Bluehost shared hosting offers 100GB of storage for only ~$3.50/mo) then I can save myself quite a lot of hard-earned money instead of bumping up to the next tier with my current host - I really don't need any of the extras or performance it comes with besides the added space.

You will lose much of the pay off from being on a "Vbulletin Optimized" host by having your attachments remotely hosted. I understand why you would do it but you may be better just upgrading your server or pay for more space with them.

[Zachery]

You have to some how move the attachments over there. Then figure out how to serve them from there. Which means somehow replicating the database to the other machine, or allowing remote connections to your current database whish is pretty bad.

You're bandwidth is going to double/triple in just dealing with moving the attachments around alone.

[tbworld]

Originally Posted by too_cool_3

I really don't need any of the extras or performance it comes with besides the added space.

Sometimes you can just request additional storage for a cost per gigabyte. They usually charge a fee for the adjustment plus the additional storage cost per month.