If I backup my rc5 database using the phpb3 acp and install gold and then restore it with the acp will it transfer everything exactly as it was maintaining all users, posts, dates, urls?
You don't need to do all that.
Just upload all new files (except config.php) go to yoursite.com/forumfolder/install/database_update.php
Let that run
Delete the install folder
Done.
You might want to backup any ranks, smilies and logos first.
This will remove all MODs but keep all your posts, users etc.
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I was having trouble with that before going to rc7 with a custom style so I ended up uploading my backed up rc5 files and giving up. It was that invalid form error, the style was converted for rc7 so I couldn't figure out the problem, I will give it another try with the default style then and go from there.