Moving an SMF Forum using phpMyAdmin

First up. Log in to phpMyAdmin and find the database(s) you wish to move. There should be a drop down on the left containing all the databases.

(I have great spelling dont I. ;)) and it's table structure will appear. When it does, select "Export" in the tabs up top.

And you will be taken to the export screen.

In the Export area set the tables you want to download. (I recommend doing any log_ table on their own, _members, _topics, and _messages individually)

and make sure that you export them as a .sql

When it comes to exporting, It's not recommended for "none" so use .zip or .gz, I prefer .gz because it's smaller. So select that.

If you dont have it already, you might need 7zip which will allow you to decompress .gz files. You can get it at http://7zip.org when ready click go.

It should download as a file normally would.

Repeat for any tables you want done individually.

Restoring an SMF Forum using phpMyAdmin

On your new host, create a new database and log into phpMyAdmin, open the blank database as you did the last time in the drop down.

In the same menu as before, select SQL.

and then browse for the SQL file (doesnt matter if it's still in the .gz.) and then click go.

The more data you have in the file the longer this will take. This is why I suggested that you break it up into smaller chunks, so it'll be quicker and wont overload the server or what-not.

When you're sure that all of the data is there. Upload your current SMF into a directory you wish and then download repair_settings.php from the SMF Download Converter page. [Click Here to download repair_settings.php] and then make sure that all the settings are to the new database, the URL's and Database settings specifically.

Then in settings.php make sure that the $boardurl is set to the new URL if nessesary.

Also, I suggest that you read Grudge's Guide to doing all that at this address:

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=15252.0

-Gary