Pre-Sales FAQ

Is there a demo available?
Yes, you can request a free, online demo.


How can I check if my host supports XenForo?
The server requirements and a test script are available on the purchase page. The script will confirm that your server meets the PHP requirements; you will need to confirm the MySQL version independently. Please note that MySQLi is required. If your server does not meet all the requirements, you must contact your host.


How many installations can I make with a single license?
Each license permits you to install the software once. However, you may create a single additional test installation for testing purposes only. Any test installation of this kind must be password protected, and access to it must be limited to you and your website staff.


Can multiple domains or subdomains be used with a single license?
Yes, as long as the domains or subdomains all resolve to the same installation, all of the content is available at every domain or subdomain, and there is no attempt to make them appear as separate installations.


Do I need to enter the domain URL of where I intend to install the forum when I download the software?
If you don't currently have a domain or don't intend to install it at this time, you can use localhost/127.0.0.1.


Can I change the domain or URL where the software is installed?
Yes, as long as you remove the original installation before installing it elsewhere. Ensure you update your account details in the Customers area.


Which importers/converters are available?
As of 14 January 2012, there were the following importers available:

• There are official vBulletin 3.6 and 3.7/3.8 importers built in to the software.
• There are official IP.Board 3.1 and 3.2 importers built in to the software.
• There is an official phpBB 3.x importer built in to the software.
• An unofficial vBulletin 4.0/4.1 importer is available as an add-on (compatible with XenForo 1.1 only).
• An unofficial vBulletin 4.0/4.1 importer is available as an add-on (compatible with XenForo 1.0 only).
• An unofficial PunBB 1.2/1.3 importer is available as an add-on.
• An unofficial SMF 2 importer is available as an add-on.
• An unofficial FluxBB 1.4 importer is available as an add-on.

How can I convert my forum to XenForo if an importer doesn't exist?
You can convert to a compatible version of vBulletin or IP.Board (appropriate license required), or phpBB (free) and then use the built in XenForo importers.
Note that if converting to vBulletin, ImpEx doesn't preserve group permissions, so users will have no permissions when they are imported to vBulletin and that will carry over to XenForo. You should carefully review the permissions of all imported users and user groups, or you can simply delete the imported user groups and any members will default to the Registered user group. Similarly, passwords may also not be preserved.


What is imported? What will happen to thread prefixes, albums, blogs, etc?
Only the content in the steps listed is able to be imported, all other content will be ignored. Refer to the Importing section of the XenForo Manual and the unofficial importer threads for more information. The screenshots below show what is currently imported from vBulletin 3.7/8 into XenForo 1.0 and 1.1 respectively and also from phpBB 3.x into XenForo 1.1.



Will member passwords be lost after importing?
Multiple password schemes are supported, so if the system you are importing from uses a compatible password system, then all existing passwords will continue to work as before. The vBulletin and IP.Board importers are supported. Refer to the Importing section of the XenForo Manual for more information.


What will happen to the old URLs after importing? Will they continue to work or will I lose traffic?
Redirection scripts for vBulletin 3.x and 4.x and IP.Board 3.1.x are available, so all traffic will be automatically redirected, minimizing the impact of migrating. Refer to the Importing section of the XenForo Manual for more information.


Is there a CMS, blog or gallery?
Not currently but new features are being evaluated and added on an ongoing basis.


Why can't I post, view or download attachments in the customer forums?
These forums are restricted to licensed customers only. Up to four forum user names can be associated with each customer account, enabling license owners to grant access for their site staff.


I have a license yet I still can't post, view or download attachments in the customer forums.
Ensure you have associated your forum user name with your customer account. If you used the same email address for both accounts, they will be synchronised automatically; it can take up to 10 minutes to process.

For any other questions you may have, check the following resources:

• Main FAQ
• XenForo Manual