[beardy56]

Having ported my own website from a shared server address to my own sever address this on it's own should not cause any problems and the main data folder structure stays the same and the internal address changes are all transparent to the outside user. If the database structure has to be changed things will be more complicated but as long as this is not one of the first forums to be transferred to the new system then VS should have ironed out any major problems by now. As long as the server this forum is now on is running and the database is left with the current software also running then access should still be available via a direct link like the previous version, or everything can be copied to a new server.

I'm looking at this from the glass full rather than glass empty perspective, maybe only 80% because as a 60s puppet show said - anything can happen in the next half hour.

 

[gus3049]

Thank you,
I've no idea what you mean in 3 and 4 due to my limited understanding.
I guess I'm going to be spending hours printing screen.
I really won't risk losing this part of my life.
Andi

I already have loads of pics from your builds as well as a few threads. It does take time but, if like me, you start early and just do a few at a time, it soon builds up.

 

[portals999]

I've been able to pull down full Topics that I have created including all the associated sub-pages, text, images etc. on a windows laptop using a freely available tool (no wget shell scripts required!). The HTML paginates as the website does with all HTTP links re-written with their local address meaning you can open your Topic link firstpage index.html on your hard drive then the page links all work so you can browse site as you do on www site. :thumbsup:

Once the initial setup has been done and you get past the funnies (for instance it's fussy how you spoof HTTP_USER_AGENT for the target site when connecting), then it's really just one-click and it will grab what it needs to recreate your own posts offline and automatically stitch them together so you then have a full working local copy. :banana: :banana: :banana:

So far I have one full topic of mine with 8 pages (118 posts in total) working perfectly except one page is missing which was my own fault (a mis-click...).

Thankfully I don't have that many topics that I would hate to lose although collectively losing all the knowledge accumulated on this forum would be a DISASTER....

 

[conti_rowland]

I have decided I have 29 threads I'd like to back up. The main builds.
I'm copying and pasting my posts into a word doc. 5 or 6 threads a day.
I'm not saving the whole thread with everyone's comments but at least the actual build content and photos will be there. It's all I have time for.
Not sure how I'll get that back into a new thread if I really have to but it's something!
Andi

 

[gus3049]

It's hugely quicker to print to PDF. I use Firefox but I'm sure most browsers have the function. Go to PRINT and SAVE TO PDF.

OK it only saves that page -pity me with my LashUps thread...190+ pages

- but it must be quicker than copying and pasting.

 

[portals999]

@conti_rowland, send me the link to one of your own favourite threads that has quite a few pages in the Topic....? e.g. one that will be a pain in the @rse to save manually?

 

[portals999]

@gus3049, send me the link to your LashUps post?

 

[conti_rowland]

OK, portals I'll do that.thank you for the offer.

Gus, I can print screen but what on earth will I do with all those pdfs?
I'd have to crop them and stitch them and then what? I don't think the forum takes pdfs. Really don't have the time.

But hopefully portals may help. I'll send one soon.
A

 

[gus3049]

@gus3049, send me the link to your LashUps post?

Thanks for the offer but there is no need. It's only a vanity project to keep it all and I have the PDFs saved to a folder on the Mac that I can look at occasionally, actually easier than looking on the forum. For Andi's builds, it's the pics that matter and I already have all of those that I want.

Not sure it's of huge interest to anyone else to keep so I wouldn't bother posting it again should stuff get lost.

As far as the changes are concerned, I wonder why they don't just update to a later version of the same software which I understand is well regarded in forum circles. It would then work fine.

I assume there are commercial reasons.

 

[beardy56]

if you are saving pages as pdf and are using Windows you can download this free document converter AVS Free Document Converter converts Doc to PDF, DOCX, MOBI (avs4you.com) . Just add or drag you pdf files in to it and the select pdf as the output option and also select the merge option on the left and the you will have a single pdf file

 

[portals999]

There is an easier way....using HTTrack (free), 2 mins to grab an entire Topic!

I have this working pretty well now. To grab an entire topic you need the topic title and URL then paste these in to an Excel I've made that spits out two new URLS for me, paste these new fields in to the relevant config, run the job and everything else is automated.

You can only tell you're browsing locally by the URL as the site looks identical to www site. It takes around 1-2mins per Topic, one of my Topics has 8 pages and 118 posts and lots of images, it took <2mins and <30MB of bandwidth to grab it. You do need to take care though, badly formed config could make you attempt to download the entire www as it currently stands, and severely plss off your ISP and web site admins.

Now I know what settings to use I can rattle a full Topic up in a cpl of mins,

What you see are links to some of my topics that I want to have a backup off, I grabbed all the ones you see in the pic below in 15mins.

I can then clean up the HTML at my leisure using any decent editor and remove other peoples comments and content etc., if I'm concerned about them.

 

[vs-Admin]

Dear Members,

Your new site will be going live soon! We are almost at the starting line and are really excited for you to experience the new community platform.

When the migration starts shortly, the site will be put into maintenance read-only mode while the migration is underway until completion. We will post when the process is complete and the site is live. We look forward to your feedback and first impressions in the "Community Feedback: New Forum Software Is Live!" thread.

You will have dedicated support to help you transition to the new format.

Thanks,

Gerrit

 

[Kit Spackman]

Define 'soon'....................

 

[munter]

I get the impression people arent that confident about the changeover

 

[Wankel Ickx]

Doomscrollers, you mean? Bless, 'em.

 

[Mr Modifier]

I get the impression people arent that confident about the changeover

I believe people are wary of change in case that change is for the worse.

However if the change adds value without causing pain the it will be warmly welcomed I am sure.

Its probably as much about suspicion regarding the motivations of the owners as it is about the actual software change. Yes the owners own the site but the membership is very heavily invested in the legacy...

 

[vs-Admin]

Now that we've landed on the new format: please direct any questions here: Community Feedback: New Forum Software Is Live!

I'll work to answer any feedback from there.

-Gerrit