Because of the problems, I'm working towards figuring out how to back up and update the forum to the latest phpBB3 from 3.0.12 to 3.3.x. It's a big task for me and I have to break it up across several days or weeks. I don't have the time and motivation to work on the forum hours on end as I still have a normal job, a normal responsibilities, etc.
As I've mentioned before, I am not a computer expert, a php or MySQL expert, etc. I have to research everything the way a plumber has to research electrical wiring or a baker how to fix a car. I have no idea what I am doing and have no training or education doing this. I'm not even self-taught because I don't consider myself a novice.
So the plan is to perform the following:
- Shut down forum temporarily to freeze files
- Backup existing databases
- Copy databases to new server & local (my PC)
- Get copies up and running Failed 04/18/2022. Images not loading.
- Update copies to new software
- Test copies to verify operation
- Update original installation
- Re-open the forum
- Repeat every 6-12 months