Is there a way to only upgrade my 1.1.7 database to the latest beta without going through that entire upgrade operation that changes the files on forum?
I want to prepare my 2.x forum so it works exactly how I want it and then when I'm ready to make the switch, all I would need to do is to convert my latest 1.1.7 db to 2.x and use it.
database of 1.1.7 and 2.x is totally different
you can copy file and database of recent forum and give it different name like forum2 and upgrade it to 2.x play around then switch your forum to 2.x
make a backup of your database locally for incase
how is that?
The database structure for 1.1.x and 2.x are vastly different.
You can duplicate your current database with fresh files into a separate directory, upgrade the new one and test 2.x although, data from your current board wouldn't be updating the 2.0 install as you cannot share database tables across different versions.
-[n3rve]
I don't think anyone understands my question, I know 1.1.7 db is compeltely different to 2.x db. I'm simply asking that I do the upgrade process for the database seperately rather than do it with the file changes as well.
My steps:
1) Create a copy of my current forum and place it in a test 2.x environment.
2) Do full upgrade.php for files and db.
3) Spend months converting the forum theme to work with 2.x
(Now ready to allow my visitors to use the 2.x forum I'm been working on)
4) Download the latest 1.1.7 db from my current forum and upgrade it to 2.x without using the big upgrade.php because I don't need to make file changes.
5) Change settings in my test 2.x forum so that it now uses the latest version of the db.
6) Make all users go to 2.x forum.
No I do not think this can be done. ( I may be wrong but I do not think its possible).
There has to be a way, I can't be expected to cause months of downtime to my users while I get my 2.x forum working with my 1.1.7 theme.
So far the only method I can think of is have 3 forums.
1) Real forum (1.1.7)
2) Test 2.x forum for converting theme (this will end up being new forum)
3) Test 1.1.7 forum for to use purely for upgrade.php and then move database to (2).
I don't see why the upgrade.php cannot be stripped to just leave the database changes.
You cannot, that I know of, use a 2.0 DB with 1.x files.
Quote from: Tyrsson on December 18, 2008, 04:58:07 AM
You cannot, that I know of, use a 2.0 DB with 1.x files.
I'm not asking to do that.
I want to use a 2.x db with 2.x files but I want to upgrade my 1.1.7 database separately rather than do it using the entire upgrade.php script.
Since the theme seems to be the problem do this..
Setup a test forum that is 2.0
change the theme.
upgrade
install the theme.
Yes I think I see what you are saying... so basically I should save the theme I make and then once I've upgraded install it.
Yep, you can create a copy of the default theme and work from that. You can do this in the themes section. Then you can copy the other template files there as you need them. If you have custom tabs be sure to copy the css directory into the new default copy as the menu images are called there also in the 2.x version and if this is missing the theme you are making will fall back on the default and the new images will not show even when in the images folder (had this problem myself). Be sure to include an info xml and a preview thumbnail (screenshot 120x120) for users to see when looking for a theme to use.
Yeah that has to be the best way, you'll need to keep note of any mods you install as well,
Best practice would be to make a second copy of your current forum (1.17) do the upgrade on that to 2, then document everything you do to customize that version. Theme wise, save the theme you modify so you don't have to do all that again later.
Then when you are happy with the new 2 release, do the upgrade on your live forum (or an up to date backup whilst the live one is off line). Follow all your documented change and configurations, install the new theme you saved before. Switch the new 2 forum to live.
Yes I see, that is a shame though because downtime will be much longer due to sorting out the mods etc.
I hope SMF team realise that many people will want to do this so it might be an idea to release a database only upgrade file, that would be very easy for them to do.
When you upgrade with the large upgrade the mods with be dealt with. Make a list of the ones you have and download the ones that have been updated to the new version. After upgrade install your theme BEFORE installing the mods (in 2.x the package manager will try to install in more than one theme and it will give a list of all installed themes and if the test pass will save you alot of time).
Is this issue solved or do you still require assistance?
Mark7144,
I don't see why you'd cause downtime for your members. You can simply grab a database dump of your existing db, move to a different directory and upgrade it to 2.0 with fresh files, install another 1.x forum along with your theme and port it over to 2.0. If i still haven't understood you, farewell. I hope the responses here will atleast help.
Can I / you mark this solved?
-[n3rve]
Quote from: [n3rve] on January 10, 2009, 02:32:48 AM
Mark7144,
I don't see why you'd cause downtime for your members. You can simply grab a database dump of your existing db, move to a different directory and upgrade it to 2.0 with fresh files, install another 1.x forum along with your theme and port it over to 2.0. If i still haven't understood you, farewell. I hope the responses here will atleast help.
Can I / you mark this solved?
-[n3rve]
Thanks, that does seem the best suggestion so far.