Change of Host / Server as a partial remedy to phpBB3 errors

[Aevik]

After months of headaches, server errors, and lockouts...

We have finally come to the conclusion that most bugs and errors are caused by server issues of one sort or another,
as well as extensions and styles created by 3rd party developers, many of which no longer offer support, or can even be contacted.

The revelation -- phpBB3 software itself has, in reality, never been the cause of any of our problems to date.
For those using vanilla phpBB in prosilver, these weird issues are comparitively quite rare, and most likely server (or sometimes browser) related.

We also confirmed beyond any doubt that phpBB is by far the best platform of it's kind, with no viable existing opensource alternative,
especially amongst software platforms based in Europe (and the reason we went with phpBB in the first place).

So now we finally made the obvious decison to migrate the domain and site to another host, and install phpBB only on a dedicated server.
[No Shared Servers ever again]
This will mean yet another new installation, but this time with positive results.
All phpBB3 files are backed-up, the database exported, ACP settings noted, and we're soon ready to begin the resurrection process.

Firstly... Does anyone here have experience with Hostinger?
It seems to be the most (or only) suitable and reputable EU based host for a phpBB site we have found so far.
They offer domain transfers and ssl at no cost, as well as much lower hosting fees. However we don't personally know anyone who uses this host.

Note:
I would caution anyone thinking of having Namesco Limited as a webhost - to 'think again'.
In these 10 years - their technical support has gone from barely adequate to complete rubbish, whilst domain and hosting fees have exploded.

[warmweer]

Firstly... Does anyone here have experience with Hostinger?
It seems to be the most (or only) suitable and reputable EU based host for a phpBB site we have found so far.
They offer domain transfers and ssl at no cost, as well as much lower hosting fees. However we don't personally know anyone who uses this host.

I've used Hostinger for about 10 years until approx 3 or 4 years ago.
Support was acceptable but I wouldn't give it an A rating.
You should read some reviews about hosts. (see https://www.webhostingtalk.com/)

[Aevik]

I've used Hostinger for about 10 years until approx 3 or 4 years ago.
Support was acceptable but I wouldn't give it an A rating.
You should read some reviews about hosts. (see https://www.webhostingtalk.com/)

Thanks for the reviews link!

Did you have a phpBB board hosted by them?

[5hocK]

Hostinger don't do dedicated servers. Also ask any new host what their email limits are.

[janus_zonstraal]

[No Shared Servers ever again]

Why not, I use them for 15 years and never had a problem related with the Shared Servers

[warmweer]

Did you have a phpBB board hosted by them?

Yes: 3.0.x to 3.2.y (can't remember which one). I had a standard package, nothing out of the ordinary.
But as always, past experience with a certain host is no guarantee for current or future reliability.
Actually their mail system never worked for me, I used Mailjet.

[Aevik]

Hostinger don't do dedicated servers. Also ask any new host what their email limits are.

So only shared/VPS and cloud servers? that's quite naff.
Then we need to find another alternative.

of course.. webmail limits are a top issue.

[No Shared Servers ever again]

Why not, I use them for 15 years and never had a problem related with the Shared Servers

because shared servers present a risk, if one user gets a virus, all the other users can be affected.
also -- server side files cannot be edited (fixed) on shared servers (according to our host), now a file is corrupted on our server,
so creating new topics is no longer possible.

Did you have a phpBB board hosted by them?

Yes: 3.0.x to 3.2.y (can't remember which one). I had a standard package, nothing out of the ordinary.
But as always, past experience with a certain host is no guarantee for current or future reliability.
Actually their mail system never worked for me, I used Mailjet.

But the board was working properly? no crashes?
Obviously we would need to put a hosting service to the test, before migrating.

[janus_zonstraal]

also -- server side files cannot be edited (fixed) on shared servers (according to our host), now a file is corrupted on our server,
so creating new topics is no longer possible.

I think your problem is your host and not related to shared servers.

[Aevik]

also -- server side files cannot be edited (fixed) on shared servers (according to our host), now a file is corrupted on our server,
so creating new topics is no longer possible.

I think your problem is your host and not related to shared servers.

You may be right.
In any case - we need a new host, somewhere in the EU. but which one is most reliable with phpBB? (das ist die frage)

[janus_zonstraal]

In any case - we need a new host, somewhere in the EU. but which one is most reliable with phpBB? (das ist die frage)

I think 98% of the host are good for phpbb.

[warmweer]

But the board was working properly? no crashes?
Obviously we would need to put a hosting service to the test, before migrating.

There have been a couple of crashes, one terminal but the host put back the backup from the day before and I think I lost an attachment or 2 and 4 perhaps 5 post (my database backup was more recent than yesterday's. Board worked OK from 3.0.x to 3.2. something

I doubt you can put a host to the test before committing.

[Aevik]

I doubt you can put a host to the test before committing.

It would involve creating an account, registering a test domain, and installing a test board.
Then throwing everything at the test board to see if it crashes.

[Mick]

We cannot really recommend a host, but we do recommend that you visit WebHostingTalk (as previously mentioned)

[Aevik]

We cannot really recommend a host, but we do recommend that you visit WebHostingTalk (as previously mentioned)

.
We have done. And thanks again for the link, it's quite informative.

Our current host sent us a quote for £1710. + UK VAT per year (£2052. incl. VAT) a bit dearer than expected.
does this sound a typical price for a dedicated server?

[warmweer]

Our current host sent us a quote for £1710. + UK VAT per year (£2052. incl. VAT) a bit dearer than expected.
does this sound a typical price for a dedicated server?

Honestly ???
I have to admit I have/had no clue about the pricing for dedicated servers but £2000 per year ???

If your board provides a means of income to you, then it could be considered ... but if not ..is it worth that much to you?