Determining the data of last back-up (2 years ago)

[Siirist]

HI,

Used to have SMF and was very happy with it. What version of SMF should I use, or is that identified in the back-up?

Thanks in advance,
Survivor of Abuse (SOA)

[margarett]

You can check the table smf_settings. The version in the first field should let know know which branch was in use (not the exact version).
So if your database says, eg, 2.0.4, this means that your forum was running some version in the 2.0.x branch, AT LEAST version 2.0.4

In this case, you need to use NOT 2.0.4 files, but the latest version of 2.0 branch, right now 2.0.9 (because there were no database changes since 2.0 final - or even before)

[Siirist]

You can check the table smf_settings. The version in the first field should let know know which branch was in use (not the exact version).
So if your database says, eg, 2.0.4, this means that your forum was running some version in the 2.0.x branch, AT LEAST version 2.0.4

In this case, you need to use NOT 2.0.4 files, but the latest version of 2.0 branch, right now 2.0.9 (because there were no database changes since 2.0 final - or even before)

So if it is 2.0.4, then I should use that version to install and then upgrade?

[margarett]

No, no no... Don't install anything or you will overwrite the database and loose content!

Just follow the following procedure to load fresh files
http://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/How_to_upload_a_fresh_set_of_files
But you need also a new Settings.php because you have none, so get the install package to retrieve Settings.php and upload this file also.

Finally, run repair_settings
What is repair_settings.php?
Give it the name, user and password to your database, fix the paths, save and remove the tool. Done

[Siirist]

Okay, thank you so much for your help!!!
You're AWESOME!!   

[Illori]

Finally, run repair_settings
What is repair_settings.php?
Give it the name, user and password to your database, fix the paths, save and remove the tool. Done

give it the name, username, password save then fix the paths and save. needs to be saved 2 times so it can connect to the database.

[Siirist]

Okay, so here's what the back up says

thegr45_smf2-complete_2012-05-06.sql

See attachment

To me, this means that my sql should be named "thegr45"?
or is the database named "thegr45"?

Can I just do an install and rename the back-up?

Little confused. 

Thanks in advance,
Cloud

[margarett]

You need to pick the most recent of those files and import it to phpmyadmin first

[Siirist]

You need to pick the most recent of those files and import it to phpmyadmin first

Okay, thanks, will give that a shot.   

[Siirist]

You need to pick the most recent of those files and import it to phpmyadmin first

Well, phpMyAdmin wouldn't let me do that. So, I unzipped it and tried that=Nope. So, I copied the .SQL to a New Folder and RENAMED it to the same name as my database=Nope. Then, I turned OFF my Firewall AND turned off my Anti-Virus software and tried again. No luck.
RATS!

Cloud

[margarett]

Why doesn't phpmyadmin let you do it? Any error?

Edit: not worth to create folders, etc. file system is one thing, database is another thing...

If you are having timeouts or file size limitations, try this
http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump/usage/

[Siirist]

error is unable to connect to database

[Illori]

how exactly are you trying to restore the database backup?
have you created a database?
are you using phpmyadmin?
have you selected the database that you created before uploading the backup?

[Siirist]

how exactly are you trying to restore the database backup?  phpMyAdmin
have you created a database?  Yes
are you using phpmyadmin?   Yes
have you selected the database that you created before uploading the backup?   Not able to select database to import into.

Give me a minute and I will get a screen shot of the screen and a screen shot of the error

[Illori]

in what way can you not select the database? it should be listed on the left side of phpmyadmin. you must select the database before you can import it.

you could always send a message to your host and ask them to do the import for you.

[Siirist]

here is a pic

I also have a pic showing the names of my 2 databases AND the usernames there of

[Illori]

i would suggest you contact your host, sounds like a config issue they can resolve.

[Siirist]

Will do.  Thanks for your help

[Kindred]

actually... from that picture it suggests that you may only have a single database allowed for your account.