This is starting to cause a major problem in my site, and I need some serious help. As I said, I'm prepared to reward whoever can help me fix this with either product discounts or even a free membership. Now here is the problem:
I made a backup of SMF 1.0.3 (I think) in May. I am using a new host. I want to bring my old forum back using that backup. My old MySQL database name was "smf" but with my new host I can't use that (I don't know why), and I have to use "fingerjo_smf" which I'm not sure if that would make a difference or not in the restoring.
My backup file's name is fingerjoust_com-complete_2006-05-02.sql. My website domain type stuff is in the same place as it was before www.fingerjoust.com/cgi/forum. If I have to use that repair_settings.php thing, tell me what to put in and how to fix it.
I need step by step instructions and a lot of help. This is imperative, because I lost a lot of financial information and rules and regulations that are in that file. Please, I will do anything.
If you think this is something that the SMF team can do for me if I buy a Charter Membership, I will do it. I heard they do installations for you, and maybe they could install it for me using that backup file. I really don't want to have to if one of you can help me though. That would be unnecessary spending.
Changing the forum name isn't a big problem.
First, get the -install of SMF 1.0.3 from the downloads area. Then, install it like you are making a new board. This will get your install set up with the right db info.
Now, use a tool like phpMyAdmin to import your old backup into the new database. You might have to delete the blank install's tables first.
Assuming there aren't major issues, that should get the old stuff up for you.
Once things are back up, upgrade to the latest 1.0.x version (1.0.7 currently).
If you need extra help, I'm usually logged into my IM accounts, so you can PM me if needed.