PLEASE READ This site IS moving host soon!

[Shockwave]

Just so that you know, within the next month I intend to migrate this site to a new host, I have found a host I am happy with.

The reasons for the move are:

Frequent downtime caused by other sites on our host having traffic spikes.
We have nearly completely filled our 800mb quota.
Refusal by our current host to upgrade php and mysql.
I want to completely re-design the front end.

What will happen;

The forum database will be preserved, no posts will be lost. Noboby will need to re-register.
The portal is going.
I will code a new portal for this community.
There will be approximately 4-5 days of downtime while I transfer it.
I will give you all a weeks notice before I do anything.
You will be able to upload much larger files to the board when this is done (I am thinking of maybe up to 1mb each).

[Clyde]

Cheers for the heads up. Also for the terrific work and support etc you do for this board. Welldone and thankyou.

Will be awesome to have a new portal.

Hope all goes well,
Clyde.

[Jim]

Exciting stuff!  We're bulgeing at the seams right now so it will be awsome to have some breathing space!

Jim

[combatking0]

Cool. I've had to do this twice in the past two years with my own site, so I understand how frustrating this can be.

A man of your skills should have no problems!

[Shockwave]

The scariest thing is the database... 44,000 Posts

I'm going to have to split it up into loads of sql queries to move it over!

[Shockwave]

Here's where we are at:


Practice Run:

Call this a rehersal if you like

The main problem for me is moving the database, it is over 30mb uncompressed, this meant that it failed when I tried to restore it to the new host.

I have got around it by breaking it into chunks and submitting it as much smaller sql queries and successfully transfered 44,000 posts today in 2.5 hours.

At the moment I am downloading all the physical files from DBF, I will then upload them to the new place.

Then I will grant relevant privilages to the database and alter the site settings.. Hopefully then I will have a duplicate copy of this site that I give to the moderators for testing.

If this goes to plan then I will begin the actual transfer process, I schedule this to happen around the 25th July.

This forum will be off line for between 1-3 days.

This is necessary because there will be a delay in swapping the DNS and I dont see the point of leaving it open here because new posts would be lost.

[Shockwave]

I am giving you all notice that the temporary shut down of this board is imminent.

At the moment we are deciding whether to port it all over as it is or make a fresh installation and just import the posts, memberlists and attachments.

Both instances have been tested and both work fine.

Be aware though that if we go for a fresh installation, the portal will be going. it makes it very difficult to code a custom site around this board.

Your comments are welcome.

This forum could go offline any time from Sunday onwards, when it does go offline it will go offline for a maximum of 3 days, you will all be emailed to let you know when we're up and running again.

Tests were very successful

[Shockwave]

This forum will close tomorrow (Sunday 20th July) for host migration, upgrade and bug fixing!

[Clyde]

Good luck dude, not that you'll need it. Glad to here all tests were successfull.

Cheers and all the very best,
Clyde.