2022 Forum Migration Progress Update: April 18

[Dan Szwarc]

Major breakthrough this morning.

Backup restored online 99.999% successfully. I was able to totally duplicate the forum.
The second breakthrough was that I was able to run the conversion tools and I’m currently downloading the converted database.

Unfortunately, now I need hosting support to change the php version from 5.x to 7.1 or newer. This may happen today. If the forum goes down, it will be to try some things. This means PROGRESS.

Stay tuned.

[Dan Szwarc]

No luck today. I tried running when I need to take another step.

[Dan Szwarc]

So, partial database updating progress on Saturday. The mysql server kept timing out during the upgrade. Not out of ideas yet, but I may need my host's assistance tomorrow. Apparently, there is no tech support on the weekends.

[Dan Szwarc]

I'm still working on this. I required some tech support I could only get during the week and each ticket took a day to respond, but I am back to trying my tricks to make the update happen.

I'm still running a March 16 BU locally which is great, but I will be attempting to do a double-step update locally. If that works, then I will attempt online duplication and updating.

The biggest problem is the database for the forum is so big, the server chokes on it. It times out. I guess nearly 20 years of posts is more than these servers are designed to handle. My hosting provider probably hates me.

[CaptainDave]

Huge undertaking. Just sent a contribution. Thanks for all you do for all of us!

[Dan Szwarc]

The update was unsuccessful. I am running into many challenges and was not able to overcome them all.
I'm learning more and will continue to try to make it work. Please be patient.
Thanks for your support.

[Stuart M. Cohen]

Maybe just pay someone to do it?

[Dan Szwarc]

Pride, mostly. I don’t want to be pushed into a corner in the future I can’t get out of.
Have faith. I will figure this out. I’ve learned much during this exercise.

This first is not to go 9 years between forum updates. Update every year.

[Dan Szwarc]

No luck over easter weekend. Backups I thought were working were not.
I can't risk making any major changes until they are resolved or we could lose the entire forum forever.

So far, I've turned off all the custom templates and styles and we are back to the default appearance.
No complaints allowed about the poster being the right.

[brkdncr]

Are you still working on this? While I'm not a SQL or forum specialist, i'm a sysadmin by trade for the past 10+ years and would be willing to help.

Alternatively, migrating the forum to a different platform that's self-monetized and hosted might make sense. For instance the FordFE forums are on tapatalk, and tapatalk offers migration options.

[Castrosua]

Hey Dan and all!

I know Ive been gone for a million miles....What can I say, I wasnt doing well. Im worried a bit. Is there anything I can do to help?
Some of you guys know I have a small Youtube channel, so I can plug the forum there? I have a bunch of vids coming with the Continentals, and maybe that will help?

This forum has been a gold mine for any Lincoln owner, and I think we need to step up a bit. Maybe, if you had some kind of premium members that pay a monthly or yearly thing, a la LCOC?


Alex