VB5 Blank Page after Initial Config Build screen

[UKCobra]

I am building a VB5 Test environment, to enable some checks before I migrate my VB4.2.5 forum.

Created a new DB
Backed up the exisintg DB, with the URL changed
Restored backup into the new DB
Copied the files to the new server.
Copied over the Custom Avatars etc
Kicked off the upgrade script.
Entered my customer number.
Built the config files using the configuration builder page.
Deleted the makeconfig.php file as mentioned.
When I try to run the install/upgrade script again , I get a blank page in Safari
Checked the .htacces files, they are as they should be with a DOT and no TXT

From other browsers, I get a HTTP Error 500.
I deleted it all and did it again. And get the same issue.

I don't have any error messages to research. Searching this forum has not yielded anything else I can try.

So any pointers as to what I have done wrong, or steps to perform next would be appreciated.

[Mark.B]

I would always build the config file manually.

The only file to edit is /core/includes/config.php. Put the database credentials in there.
Leave the front end config.php untouched.
Rename htaccess.txt to .htaccess
At that point you should be good to run /core/install/upgrade.php

[UKCobra]

Thats what I thought, will have another go tomorrow. Will erase all files and start again !

[Wayne Luke]

Do you have the iconv library installed in PHP?

[UKCobra]

Hi Wayne,
Not sure how I find that. I have reviewed the PHP Extensions within 5.6 and 7.0 and it does not appear as an option.
In the screenshot of my selected PHP verison, I have added gmagick since my last attempt.
Regards
Mark

[UKCobra]

Test environment is now operational.
One surprise, after doing the manual config, linking to the backup DB, it suggested an Upgrade approach rather than a fresh install.

This has got the test environment operational, it took quite a few attempts to log in with my usual p/w, but it worked eventualy. Emails are disabled, so I could not do the lost passsword recovery.

Only need to work out why the signature are not displaying. That's a job for another time.

[Mark.B]

Test environment is now operational.
One surprise, after doing the manual config, linking to the backup DB, it suggested an Upgrade approach rather than a fresh install.

If you are pointing the config at a copy of your vB4 database, then an upgrade is what's required.

An install is *always* a clean installation with no content, users, channels, etc...a completely blank database as if you had never used the software before. This would not be much use if you are planning to test how the upgrade will affect your live site.

[UKCobra]

It was a good surprise, and having worked in a Technical Support community for a very long time, I am used to good Knowledge articles and work instructions. So I am building my own notes, to enable a smooth upgrade.


My list is short, and should be easy to document

Advert Header
Header Logo
Signature Files
Colour / Style Default setup

Hoping to achieve this in my spare time over the next week.

[Mark.B]

When you come to styling, I wonder if you would benefit from playing with a clean install of the 5.4.2 Alpha?

It's not ready for live sites yet....though this should only be a month or so away....but it improves the ease of styling substantially due to the new "global palette" stylevars.

[UKCobra]

Mark,
Does that mean another install ?
Quite happy for more practice :-) Are there any guides on on how to use the new styling features ?
I've not done much with the current site, so am not very experienced in that area.
Mark

[Mark.B]

Mark,
Does that mean another install ?
Quite happy for more practice :-) Are there any guides on on how to use the new styling features ?
I've not done much with the current site, so am not very experienced in that area.
Mark

It's another install but you could do this as a 'clean' one just to have a play around.

No guides but it's just a set of new stylevars, they operate the same as any other but customising these will give you the entire basis of a new style.
Details here: https://www.vbulletin.com/forum/node/4390672

[UKCobra]

Coming back to this, because the test install stopped working, which I believe was down to out of date nameserver config at the hosting company.

My blank screen issue came back, and that was only resolved by selecting PHP 7.0. I did not document that here, so hence my reply now.

Now working through all the things that need to be changed in order to get the look and feel right. Went through the Upgrade process, as I wanted to test it with all my users and threads etc.

Once we get it sorted, I will take the option to pay VB to upgrade the live forum.