Hi Wevolutions,
Some suggestions:
Please understand that I'm far from an expert at changing servers, but the following should help you to accomplish your goal without too much anxiety.
It's my understanding that you can (and should) have more than one installation of CMSB during transfers, staging, etc. I wouldn't delete any information from your old server until you're sure that things are working on the new one.
I'd suggest upgrading to the latest version of CMSB on your existing server first (BEFORE YOU UPGRADE make a backup of your database and all CMSB files and viewers. If you're in 1.34 or above, you can easily backup the database in the "admin section under the general" tab.)
*** You can not restore this database backup directly into a later CMSB version, so...
After you're sure that the new version works as expected, make another backup of your database and the files for the new version.
Don’t forget to clear your browser cache and reload any pages before deciding things are broken.
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Next, install the new CMSB version on your new server using the same database name and folder names as your existing setup. Locations get tricky because different ISPs servers have different folder structures and may have a separate server for databases, but you should be able to work it through. Just keep track of any differences, because "The Devil will be in the Details"
Make sure that all the path info is correct and makes sense on the new server.
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After the new install is working, set up a small test section and viewer and make sure that it works as expected.
Again, don’t forget to clear your browser cache and reload any pages before deciding things are broken.
Using the code generator, check the path to cmsAdmin/lib/viewer_functions.php in your test viewer. If it's different from that on your old viewer pages, you'll have to change them all before you copy over your existing viewers.
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BEFORE PROCEEDING, make a backup copy of the cmsAdmin/data/settings.dat.php file from the NEW server. You'll need it later because it has all the setup information for your new server.
Install any cgi, javascript files, etc. and any external programs that you use on the new server.
Copy all the cmsb files, viewers, etc., from your existing server to your new server. Don’t forget to copy any hidden files that you use (.htaccess, .password, etc.) and change the contents to reflect your new server.
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Re-upload that backup copy of the cmsAdmin/data/settings.dat.php file to your new server.
In the Admin General panel, on your new install, restore your latest database backup.
Cross your fingers, and your site should be up and running.
And again, don’t forget to clear your browser cache and reload any pages before deciding things are broken.
If you have any issues that you can't solve, post the specifics here on the forum.
After you're up and running and have tested the site to your satisfaction, take it live and delete the old site.
Hope these suggestions make the task easier.
Best,
Jerry Kornbluth
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