[Suite] 3.8.4 to 4.1 and switching servers - what is best way to do this?

[MadtownHDJunkie]

I currently run 3.8.4 on one and will go to new 4.0.1 on the new erver

I want to install a test forum on the new server also. What is the best process to accomplish this?
ty

[doggiebs]

you have to have the test forum behind a protected folder, so it isn't available to the public.

[Zachery]

Backup, move files and database, restore database, check to make sure its working, run the upgrade scripts.

[MadtownHDJunkie]

The "files" would be images, avatars, i want to have at the new site correct?

Also, I have a test site running now. If i make changes to the look of it, once i to as Zachery said, will those changes I made to the colors, layout, etc... be lost and have to be redone?

ty

[Zachery]

If you only lost avatars, then i would consider that pretty minor. Yes almost everything is in the database, not the files.

[doggiebs]

I agree with zachery.

What I would do is back up all the files (all the files in your forum folder on your old server) and your 3.8 database.

you say you have a test vb4 installed, delete the data from the database on the new server (vb4) and restore the data from the 3.8 database. Then upload the upgrade.php file again (if you have deleted it) and then run upgrade.php.

This will upgrade your database to vb4 and you should be good to go.

If you have your avatars and attachments saved on your file system instead of the database, upload the folders from your vb3 backup.

If you make style changes to your new vb4 install you will lose these styles, it is best to do it after you have upgraded to vb4.

[MadtownHDJunkie]

If you only lost avatars, then i would consider that pretty minor. Yes almost everything is in the database, not the files.

i have not moved anything yet. I am just trying to figure out the absolute easiest and stable way to move to a new server and also upgrade to 4.0 some where in the process.

Is there a list of common files or items which need to be moved and should not be forgotten?

[Zachery]

Move first, make sure everythign is okay, then upgrade.