So my server provider decided to eliminate PHP5.6, and run with PHP 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3.
vBulletin 3.8.11 will run on PHP7, but it is also at EoL. Plus, I used vBAdvanced CMPS with it, and that got totally famboozled.
So I decided to move away from vB, even though I could use their vB4 version. However, it too is entering EoL territory.
I've seen Simple Machines before, having used it on an actresses website I designed for her many years ago.
Anyways, after some initial tests and reading here about problems with converting, I figured I'd try something I hadn't seen mentioned - using an htaccess file, I forced the server to use PHP5.6 while trying to convert.
I downloaded a back-up of my vB database, and had to make two major changes - I needed to change it to a utf-8 format, as that is what SMF installs as. So I opened it up in an editor that could have a file that size, and did a "replace" from latin1 to utf8. I also located everywhere a URL had /forums and changed it to a new folder name that I'd be using. I then uploaded it to a new database, thus leaving the original completely intact. I would be using this new folder and database for the conversion.
Instead of using the latest version of SMF, I went with smf_2-0-rc3. It also installed on the new database in utf-8 format.
I downloaded, then uploaded into the new folder a copy of my vB files, pointing to the new database as well. I went to the Admin area of this "new" vB and changed the storage type for both attachments and avatars TO THE DATABASE. This was important, based on what I have read here at SMF.
So... all was set.
I uploaded the convert.php file and the vbulletin37_to_smf.sql file, then started the conversion, using the new database and new folder for vB in the set-up.
Before I knew it, the conversion went off without a hitch (other than the very last step, which really doesn't matter , as stats can be updated within SMF).
After the conversion, and checking to make sure everything, including attachments and avatars converted over, I then upgraded to the latest stable version of SMF. Again, no issues.
So where I stand now is to work on the design of the forums, make adjustments on Forum permissions, etc (to include getting a new CMPS).
I will also be integrating my 4images into the new SMF.
The new forums are now live yet, given the back-end work I need to do, but just know - It was a successful conversion.
Thank you to EVERYONE who put time and effort into making the conversion possible.
Threads: 5,872, Posts: 61,394, Members: 1,713
Congrats with the conversion!
Can we see it in action?
Darn it. Meant to say the converted forums are NOT live, as I have a lot of back-end work to do.
Aw heck with it...
http://www.3dgladiators.net/lizard/ is vB in it's new folder on the new DB. It's identical to the current live version.
http://www.3dgladiators.net/discussmonkey/ is where the converted SMF forums are.
That's great! Any plans on customizing the theme?
Yeah, I plan on making the theme the same design as what I have on the vB version.
Quote from: Darrell Lawrence on November 28, 2019, 02:39:05 AM
Yeah, I plan on making the theme the same design as what I have on the vB version.
In the meantime, I think you should install the better version of SMF's default theme found here: https://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=569433.msg4038031#msg4038031 It's fully responsive, so I think your members will appreciate it.