Need instructions on how to move SMF forum to new server

[mbradford]

 
I am new to forums and all things related to programming and databases.  So I need idiot-level instructions on how to move an SMF forum from one server to another.  (I need to move www.EvangelismForum.com [nofollow])
   
I'm also wondering...
- if moving the forum will require a fresh install
- if I will have to add all the mod packages again, and
- if there any possible problems I need to watch out for 
 
I know this will involve moving the domain and moving the database, but I have no idea what steps should be taken first - or HOW to move the database (exactly).
     
If someone could post easy step-by-step instructions on moving from one server to another, I would really appreciate it!
 
Thanks!
 

 

[青山 素子]

There have been several posts about this. You should try using the search next time.

To backup:

• Make a database backup through the Forum Maintenance area. You want both data AND structure.
• Use an FTP program to download all the SMF files

To restore:

• Make a database on your new host. Restore your backup file into that database using a tool like phpMyAdmin (Import option).
• Upload the forum files. Edit Settings.php to contain the new database information.
• Run the Repair Settings tool so i can fix your database settings and path info for your new host

[mbradford]

There have been several posts about this. You should try using the search next time.

To backup:

• Make a database backup through the Forum Maintenance area. You want both data AND structure.
• Use an FTP program to download all the SMF files

To restore:

• Make a database on your new host. Restore your backup file into that database using a tool like phpMyAdmin (Import option).
• Upload the forum files. Edit Settings.php to contain the new database information.
• Run the Repair Settings tool so i can fix your database settings and path info for your new host

Thanks - I'm going through the steps now.  I'm made the database backup, and I'm downloading all the SMF server files now...  I went to my host cp and setup a new database, and I clicked the phpMyadmin button next to the database (in my host cp).  But all I see is the option to export.  I don't see anything that says import.  Can you tell me how I can get to that option.  (When I click the export button in phpMyadmin, it goes to a page with these tabs: Databases, EnginesEngines, Processes, Export.  But I have no idea what any of it means.)

[SleePy]

do you see a button that says SQL?
Click that and see if a import field exists. The host may be using a older version of phpmyadmin.

[青山 素子]

There is also always BigDump you can use. It is a great tool, especially for large backup restorations.

[mbradford]

do you see a button that says SQL?
Click that and see if a import field exists. The host may be using a older version of phpmyadmin.

Thanks - I clicked the SQL button in phpmyadmin and clicked import and it worked perfectly!
 
(In my host FAQ, it had a bunch of information that made the process seem MUCH more complicated, and didn't even mention using this button to import.  Thanks for letting me know).

I'm still waiting on all the server files to download. Then I'll work on the last two steps MotokoChan gave me...

Hopefully, I can figure out those steps...

Thanks again to you both!

[peranders]

There have been several posts about this. You should try using the search next time.

To backup:

• Make a database backup through the Forum Maintenance area. You want both data AND structure.
• Use an FTP program to download all the SMF files

To restore:

• Make a database on your new host. Restore your backup file into that database using a tool like phpMyAdmin (Import option).
• Upload the forum files. Edit Settings.php to contain the new database information.
• Run the Repair Settings tool so i can fix your database settings and path info for your new host

This info would be very nice to have in the "manual" because it seems not to be unsual this question but still I have searched but didn't come up with the right keywords.

BTW: Wouldn't it be nice to have a "restore" feature built-in?

[peranders]

I wrote this. Maybe something like this could be included in the section here
http://docs.simplemachines.org/

I need better instructions for moving a forum.

You can do the moving in two ways:
Just import the old database into a fresh forumstallation

Import the old database and also move the old installation, by this all templates and mods will be included.

Instructions for importing a database and using a fresh forum.

1 Make a backup of the database. Can be done inside SMF
Choose ADMIN -> Forum Maintenance ->Forum Maintenance - Backup Database -> Check all alternatives. (Save the table structure. Save the table data. (the important stuff.) Compress the file with gzip ) Save the file on your harddisk or somewhere else.

2 Unzip and upload the whole SMF package in the new location (server)

3 Download repair_settings.php from here
http://www.simplemachines.org/download/?tools
http://www.simplemachines.org/download/index.php?thanks;filename=repair_settings.php

4 Upload repair_settings.php to the same folder as the SMF package.

5 Create a new database (if you have permissions for this) and call it "SMF" or something

6 Create a user for the database (if you have permissions for this) and call him/her "SMF_user" or something.

7 Open phpmyadmin or similar program for importing the database. Choose the database and run a sql query. This query is done by importing the backupfile which also has table deinitions inside and hit the button "run". In a moment (can be long if the database is big) you will have a blueprint copy of the old database in the new location.

Now you must match names with the settings.php

9 Make the file http://www.yourdomain.com/smf/settings.php writable if it's not already in that condition.

8 Hit http://www.yourdomain.com/smf/repair_settings.php Adjust all values and hit SAVE SETTINGS. If you can't write to settings.php you will get notified about that.

The old database is now imported to a fresh forum. If you want all of your old templates, mods etc, fetch those and install them or take the whole folder from the old place and just move it but this may be harder. You can also get corrupted files but I'll imagine that this is quite possible.