MessageBoards.

[overclocker23]

Hey,
I have 2 questions.

1.I would like to install phpBB messageboards on my website. So my question is...which directory should I create my messageboard folder? Should I create my folder called "forums" in my "public_html" directory or where.


2.In the future if I decide to choose a different webhost, then how can I move all my messageboard information such as user names, passwords, old posts etc. to a new host so that my users won't have to register all over again. Are there any files, that I should back up or something?


Thanks.

[lostinbeta]

1) The instructions tell you ;) You can create a folder named whatever you want in your public_html directory and install it in there.

2) You will have to talk to your host about that, I believe your current host will have to transfer the data to your new host. Not 100% on that, but I think that is what goes on.

[overclocker23]

Since everything will be stored in a folder on the webserver, isn't it possible that I can just download that folder back agian, to my hard drive and then upload it to my new host.

[lostinbeta]

Well those files yes, you can (and probably have to) download them and re-upload them to your new host (unless your hosts have the ability to just transfer everything as is).

But the information in the boards is stored in a mySQL database, you can't download that onto your system for transfer, I believe the 2 hosts have to handle that.

[overclocker23]

My friend told me who is also running PhPbb that phpbb creates a database file in MySQL Databse folder and all you have to do is upload the file to your new host and that is it. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.

[overclocker23]

Here's how you do it.

Regularly back up your databse but do you use winzip to extract it. Then go to your new host and then restore the database and the forums folders. That is it.

[Voetsjoeba]

Originally posted by overclocker23
Here's how you do it.

Regularly back up your databse but do you use winzip to extract it. Then go to your new host and then restore the database and the forums folders. That is it.

Good to know that =)

[lostinbeta]

Yes that is good to know.

And I am sure you don't use winzip for anything in that process, just download the file via ftp, then ftp to your new host/server and upload the same file into the mySQL folder.

I would suppose, considering I have never done it I really have no clue ;)

[Jubba]

most of the time the host will have to do it for you. Most professional hosting places don't give you access directly to the database, making copying it and backing it up something that the host will have to take care of.

[overclocker23]

Like jubba said, it depends if your host gives you access to the part where you can back up your files and stuff. I use ipowerweb and they give you access to MySQL Database files and you can back them up but if your host doesn't give you access to the MySQL Database, then you are out of luck.

[sdrawkcaB]

ask the people at phpbb.com