Help Req.: How to start with a clean slate

[Buzz Boy]

Your phpBB board URL: http://forums.dragonarmy.com.au
Template(s) used: subSilver
Any and all MODs: chatbox, quick reply, Admin User List... about 8 in total
Do you use a port of phpBB: no
Version of phpBB: .19
Version of PHP: 4.4.2
Which database server and version: MySQL 5.0.20
Host: http://www.quinntech.com.au
Did someone install this for you/who: I did
Is this an upgrade/from what to what: From .19 to fresh install of .21
Is this a conversion/from what to what:
Have you searched for your problem: yes
If so, what terms did you try:
State the nature of your problem: I wish to install a fresh (virgin) version of .21 over my current forum
Do you have a test account for us: no




I currently have a 2.0.19 forum running with several mods and wish to upgrade to a clean "un-modded" 2.0.21.

How do I do this???


I was thinking of taking this route...

1) create a folder called phpBB2_new

2) uploading all the 2.0.21 files to the phpBB2_new folder

3) making the necessary graphic/appearance changes

4) copying the config.php file across to phpBB2_new from phpBB2 folder

5) then when the forum is quiet, I'd rename the phpBB2 folder to something else and rename phpBB2_new folder to phpBB2.



Okay, question time...


Q1) Would this work?

Q2) Is there a better/recommended procedure I should follow to achieve what I need?

Q3) Should I do a standard install (as if I were installing for the very first time) or is there a file set available with all the relevant files I can just upload to the server?

Q4) Also, before the changeover in step 5, can I run .../phpBB2_new/index.php to test the look of the new installation or would it cause problems with the database?


Sorry for so many questions, but I really would like to get a fresh start, free of some of the useless modifications I did 2 years ago when I started out (and wanted lots of bells and whistles).

Thanks,

John

[dfritter4]

if you dont want to keep any of your MODs but still wish to keep all users/posts etc. then heres what you need to do:

1. delete your entire phpBB2 directory EXCEPT for the file config.php

2. download the new copy of phpBB from the Downloads section of this site.

3. upload the entire phpBB2 directory (except config.php) to your site

4. type this into your browser wherever you have your phpBB installation installed, go to "install/update_to_latest.php" and wait till it finishes.

then delete the entire "Install" and "Contrib" folders from your site's directory

your site should now have a fresh copy of phpBB 2.0.21 with the subSilver template and no mods

all your posts and users will have been saved

[Buzz Boy]

Thanks for that dfritter4... whilst that method would work, it's not my preferred option (namely because there would be a period where no files exist on the server and then when it does come back online everyone will see the standard subSilver until I'm able to make all the style changes).


Can someone please look at the method I posted above and tell me whether it would work or not.

Thanks,

John

[karlsemple]

Thanks for that dfritter4... whilst that method would work, it's not my preferred option (namely because there would be a period where no files exist on the server and then when it does come back online everyone will see the standard subSilver until I'm able to make all the style changes).


Can someone please look at the method I posted above and tell me whether it would work or not.

Thanks,

John

His method was along the right lines just not entirely correct.


Download the full 2.0.21 package from the site, extract it and upload it overwriting all files EXCEPT CONFIG.PHP, This will mean your forums are unmodded and running on clean files. Any mod related files will just sit doing nothing and you can then remove them at your leisure. As you will have not deleted your styles you will not go back to subsilver. I would however suggest also uploadin fresh copies of any templates you have installed to get rid of any mod related template changes

[Buzz Boy]

Thanks for that.

One last question... will there be any problems arising from the database having some extra tables that were added when I installed a chat mod?

Or will those extra tables / info simply sit there an not be recognised by phpBB?

Thanks again,

John

[karlsemple]

they will just sit there doing nothing, and will not cause any problems to the forum if you are confident you know which ones are mod related you can remove them, but they are fine left

[Buzz Boy]

Your quick reply is much appreciated... you've been added to my Christmas Card list.

Thank you!!!

John