How to Move Servers

This page will explain how to backup and restore a CMS installation or move a CMS installation from one server to another.

Backup

1. Upgrade old versions - If your CMS is older than 2.11 then upgrade to the latest version. Newer versions have improved backup & restore features.
2. Create a database backup by clicking "Backup" under: Admin > General Settings > Database Backup.
   • This will create a backup file with a snapshot of your MySQL data in /cmsb/data/backups/
3. Download all relevant files:
   • /cmsb/ and everything under it - these contains your CMS files and database backups.
   • Any alternate upload folders - if CMS uploads are stored anywhere other than /cmsb/uploads/ download those folders as well.
   • Viewer files - Download any php "viewer" files that display CMS content.

Restore

1. Upload all relevant files - these are the files downloaded in the previous step.
2. Delete /cmsb/data/isInstalled.php
   • This file indicates the software has been installed. Removing it will cause the software to re-display the installation screeen.
3. Run program installation - Go to /cmsb/admin.php with your web browser.
   • Enter the Product ID from the backup site and other license information.
   • Enter MySQL details for the new site.
   • Click on the "Restore from Backup" tab and select the backup file you create (it should be at the top).
   • Click "Restore" and then confirm you can login to the CMS.
4. Update references to the old server
   • The CMS will automatically detect it's environment and "just work" when possible, but it's still a good idea to check for any references you may have hardcoded to your old server.
   • Check for any references to the old server's IP address, url, or filepaths in: "Admin General" tab, plugin code, viewers, and any custom upload dirs/paths in the "Field Editor".
   • Replace any references to the old server with the new server, or if possible, non-server specific references, for example:
     • Instead of absolute urls such as http://example.com/ or http://127.0.0.1/ use relative domain urls such as /
     • Instead of absolute filepaths such /var/www/example.com/htdocs/uploads use relative filepaths such as uploads or ./uploads

Advanced Tips

Manual MySQL backups and restores

If you have an older CMS or an extra large database use phpMyAdmin, mysqldump, or another program to backup and restore your database. Contact your web host or server administrator for more details.