Separate MySQL Database for Sub-Domains?

[ogrepraxy]

Hello everyone,

Despite being a longtime veteran of using and enjoying vBulletin-powered forums, I am setting up one for the first time.

I have my sub-domain ready and waiting for my install of version 4.2.1 with Patch Level 1, but I am at the part where it is asking for my MySQL database and am confused.

I do have a database listed on my host (Dreamhost), but it is for the main domain. Since I am going to be building a Wordpress site on the main domain, I was concerned about attaching the sub-domain's vBulletin forum to that MySQL database -- fearing that it then would cause problems with installing and using Wordpress on the main domain.

Does the sub-domain need its own MySQL database, or can the sub-domain's vBulletin forum and the main domain's Wordpress website utilize the same MySQL database?

Thank you in advance for your help, as I cannot find an answer anywhere!

Kind regards,
Jason Weaver

[Mark.B]

You need a separate database for each vBulletin instance. Don't give it the same database as Wordpress or you'll get in a mess very quickly.
You should be able to simply create another database in your host's control panel, create a new user, and attach the user to the database. then put those credentials into config.php.

[dougdirac]

If you want, WordPress and vb can share the same database. Just make sure none of the tables have the same name. Wordpress tends to put wp_ at the start of their tables, so it should be much of an issue. I think you can choose a table prefix.

[Mark.B]

If it's prefixed it should work in theory, however if any database-related difficulties turn up, we might not be able to provide official support. We can't make any guarantees if you merge databases in this way.