Renaming forum directory

[pierguy]

I'm finally getting around to changing the default "forum" directory that comes with VB. I'm hoping for a little bit of an SEO boost by changing it to something with keywords.

Other than changing the name of the directory, what else needs to be altered to make sure things function normally?

[Nick]

AdminCP -> vBulletin Options -> Site Name / URL / Contact Details -> Forum URL

And although not required, you may consider looking into implementing a 301 redirect via .htaccess to reflect the change in URL structure so that you don't lose already-existing traffic.

[pierguy]

Good point. I can make sure people find the new directory structure, but is there anything I can do using .htaccess that will ensure that old urls with the old /forum directory structure still work?

To clarify, let's say I ran this site and wanted to rename this directory /vb-forum. Under the old structure, this thread is:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1755098

But after renaming the directory, I want to make sure anyone who has bookmarked this thread (or any other) will be redirected to:

http://www.vbulletin.com/vb-forum/showthread.php?p=1755098

Is there a way to do that?

(And while we're on the subject, is there a way to 301 an old forum and all of its posts?)

[pierguy]

The answer

Luckily, a developer gave me the answer:

Rename your /forum to whatever you want. Then create a blank /forum directory with this .htaccess file in it:
--------------------
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /forum/
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule (.+) /YOU_NEED_TO_REPLACE_THIS/$1 [L]
</IfModule>
--------------------

The only thing you need to change is the phrase YOU_NEED_TO_REPLACE_THIS. Just rename it to whatever directory structure you've chosen.