phpBB 2.0.15 to SMF, then bridge with Mambo

[Alex53]

I have been looking at how to integrate my current message board, with all its current DB into Mambo. I find SMF looks better to me than phpBB, plus it seems to integrate better into Mambo.

However I dont know where to get started. First I suppose I need to convert my database from the phpBB 2.0.15 to SMF? Or maybe upgrade phpBB is the converter works on a later version? (They do change stuff in the DB with updates.) Do I have to install SMF first for that? Or do I then install SMF and import a DB?

Could someone point me to a converter if one exists, I suppose if it has instructions I can follow them and get somewhere.

After that what do I need to integrate SMF with my existing mambo installation?

Probably to complicate matters my mambo current installation is on a test domain/url and I will need to move everything when I am done. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[xenovanis]

First, you'll need to install SMF on your server. Use the same database as phpBB (with a different prefix), it will make the convertion much easier. You can read how to convert your forum here:

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/readme_convert.html

Currently there are two converters available, depening on the version of SMF you have installed. For

• SMF 1.0.5 you can find your converter here
  
• SMF 1.1 Beta 3 Public you can find a converter here
  
  Next, you want to install the mambobridge you can find here:
  http://mamboforge.net/frs/?group_id=543&release_id=4848
  
  Again, depending of the version of SMF you are using there are two versions available:
  
• For SMF 1.0.5, use the package MOS_SMF_BRIDGEv3.19a_stable.zip;
  
• For SMF 1.1 Beta 3 Public, use the package MOS_SMF_BRIDGEv3.19a_SMF1.1b3.zip.
  
  Unzip the package and read the install instructions. You'll need to complete four steps in order to make the integration work.

[Alex53]

Thanks. I have installed SMF 1.0.5 now, on the same db as phpbb as you suggest.

Now for the conversion...

[Alex53]

Excellent. Unless I am missing something its worked perfectly. Messages, members (even their status like awaiting activation), private messages, number of posts, rankings, avatars....everything copied fine.

I hope mambo integration is as effective

[Alex53]

I have a question about how the bridge leaves things once its done. Does it join the users accounts of mambo and smf together? What happens to existing users of both inatallations?

[exrace]

As users login their ID is added to mambo.

Wonder if there is a way to force all ID's over as it would be nice to manage all users in mambo after the migration not after they login in once.