Help getting things right please

[ThePriest]

I am now more convinced that trying to fix things manually is only causing me more problems so I would like to start again with a fresh install, but how do I keep my members details/passwords etc. and all the posts so far made?

I have used the 'Admin/Forum Maintenance/Backup Database' option and downloaded the table structure and table data as a .zip file. 

I have also via FTP downloaded the whole forum folder.

I would like to delete the folder that contains my forum on the server and upload the fresh install.  Is this the correct thing to do?

How do I then restore the table data/structure?

Will this restore all the accounts and posts ?

Many thanks in anticipation.

[Tony Reid]

You will not to download and upload your db - as its already there.

I'd suggest uploading everything in your forum directory (with exception to Settings.php) and also reupload your Sources,themes directories.

[ThePriest]

Hi and thanks.

his is where I get confused.

is the data (forum membership/passwords/posts) in the folder with the forum or somewhere else?

If I delete the folder contents will the data still be there?

I am sorry I am such a noob at this but I do not wish to lose everything in trying to fix this.

Latest problem (after thinking them all fixed) is now new memebers can't register.

What I would really like is to have a second forum set up as a developer forum using the data so far entered into the original one.  Any way to do this?  I can then get things working right and simply switch folder names when ready.

http://www.landrover6pot.org/sixpotforum/



Again thanks forthe help

[Tony Reid]

All your data (members/passwords/posts etc) are stored in your MySQL database - and not inside your forum folder

The only reason I suggested hanging onto Settings.php is because it contains your database connector information

It might help you if you wandered through the online manual
http://docs.simplemachines.org/