Phpbb2 to phpbb3 conversion

[vc61]

I have a question.
I have a board running on phpbb2.
I have installed a new board in another directory, this time phpbb3.
When the installation was complete, I had the option to login or to convert an existing board:

This page collects the data required to access the source board. Enter the database details of your former board; the converter will not change anything in the database given below. The source board should be disabled to allow a consistent conversion.

If I do this, will my old board still work?
I don't want to take the risk losing it, imagine the conversion would go wrong.

Thanks for your time.

[WillyHSV]

I beleive I've run that before without problems. BUT, with that being said, I would still do a complete backup of your database BEFORE you try messing with the converter. You should also put your forum into maint mode to prevent anyone from doing something while you are working on it.

And as always, use it at your own risk

[northernknights]

what i would do. If not already done is make a NEW DB for the phpbb3 as well then if you want to move you phpbb2 to phpbb3 then all you have to do is copy the old DB and upload to new db

[vc61]

Thanks for the tips, appreciate it.
But my main question actually is: will my old board (in another directory) still work like before, after the conversion?

[northernknights]

i have no done it myself. So, to tell you the truth i dont know

Just make backups of the DB just incase something goes wrong

[WillyHSV]

I beleive the converter changes your database, but cant remember for sure. Get you a backup and try it. If you want to run 2 versions simultaneously, then you might get into a problem unless the newer version precedes the names with something different.

[vc61]

Get you a backup and try it.

Stupid question, but how do I backup a database? Never done this before.

[northernknights]

This a easy step by step on how to back up your DB from a old host and import it onto the this host using phpmyadmin
-------------------------------------------------
To make a backup from the OLD host you need to do this:

1. open phpmyadmin then you should see your database on the left side

2. click on your database then on the 'export' tab at the top

3. under the 'export' bit make sure all the data is selected (turned blue) and that SQL is selected

4. in the 'options' bit make sure 'ANSI' is selected in the pull down

5. put a tick in 'Save as file' then next to 'File name template (1):' choose what you want to call your backup. In 'Compression:' select zipped and then press on the go button (on the right)

6. save the backup to a folder or desktop
==========================

This is how to import your DB from a backup on your computer to the THIS host:

1. log into your CPanel and find the 'databases' section and click on 'MySQL Databases'

2. create your new DB in the 'Create New Database' section and then add a user to it in the 'Add User To Database' with 'ALL PRIVILEGES'

3. Search out the backup zipped file on your computer and unzip it! The reason is sometimes it does not import properly in phpmyadmin and also i've just noticed you can only upload 666 kKiB. So, you have to split the files into a few data files using a notepad or something like that if it's too big(i use Editra which makes it easier to see stuff and edit them)

4. now go to phpmyadmin and let it load up (found in the 'databases' section of your CPanel)

5. choose the database you have just made from the left side then click on the 'import' tab at the top

6. In the 'File to import' section you want to browse to where the you saved the backup(s) and choose one of them (you may only have one file) then make sure in the 'SQL compatibility mode' section that ANSI is selected and then press GO on the right

7. do 6 for the rest of the files if you have more Smile

8. Now you will have to re-config your websites config file with the new database name and user that you are using on the new server (if it has changed)

[vc61]

Thanks for all the tips, I have been able to upgrade to phpbb3, thanks to your help!

[northernknights]

no probs... happy to help