Want to buy, need to merge phpBB & vB

[SeaDog]

Hi,

We've finally decided to jump ship to XF

What we need to do is merge these two forums:

ForumA.com
vB3.8.7
Posts: 76,053, Members: 4,939

ForumB.com
phpBB 3.0.12
Posts 13,038, Members: 1,584

The combined forum will then use ForumA.com domain and obviously be powered by xF.

Has anyone done this? I know it might be theoretically possible - but reality is always best. Is it possible, if we buy the license first, to get someone to help us with this? What do you suggest is the best way of doing it and how will it handle the redirects given we are merging two different forum platforms (with different URLs) in to xF?

 

[Paul B]

You can import multiple forums into a single instance of XenForo.

You run the first importer, then the second.

You can only retain IDs for the first import though.
Redirection scripts can be utilised to automatically redirect traffic.

 

[SeaDog]

Hi @Brogan thanks for that. Has anyone actually done it with this combination of forums?

Also is it possible to test this somehow?

Finally, when you say retain the IDs - which IDs are you referring to? And these redirection scripts - do you have a link or is it something we would have to create (we don't really have the knowledge for that tbh)

Sorry for the questions - but at the moment it seems like a mountain, whereas it might be a molehill

 

[Paul B]

Many multiple imports have been done.

No, it's not possible to test it without purchasing the software.

The IDs refer to the members, threads, posts, etc.
For the first import, these can remain the same.

There are redirection scripts available in the Resources: https://xenforo.com/community/resources/categories/redirection-scripts.2/

 

[SeaDog]

Thanks, happy to buy the license before testing, that's not a problem

How would the redirection work for the 2nd forum that has been imported though? Also do all the users of both old sites have to reset their passwords?

 

[Paul B]

There is an import log which is generated for each import.
It is that which is used for the redirection.

Passwords will be retained so members will just be able to log in to the new site with their current user name and password.

 

[SeaDog]

Thanks, and if two users happen to have the same user name? Is there an FAQ for this?

Just to clarify: so the fact the 2nd import doesn't retain the IDs doesn't break the redirection stuff?

 

[Paul B]

You will be prompted to merge or rename if there are accounts with the same user name or email address.

https://xenforo.com/help/importing/

Just to clarify: so the fact the 2nd import doesn't retain the IDs doesn't break the redirection stuff?

Correct.
It will all work but whereas member 1 in VB will still be member 1 in XF, member 1 in phpBB will be whatever ID is next available after all of the VB members.