[Forum] Restore VBulletin Website | Help!

[makaiman]

Is there anyone who can help me restore my VBulletin website? Everything's there, but I just need it up and would be grateful for anyone's help. It's urgent.

[Steve Machol]

What is the exact problem?

[makaiman]

Someone hacked my website, so I decided to switch to a new hosting company. I've all the files and FTP information. Just don't know how to get it back up. I can't seem to know where to start as I fired a person who initially set everything up. I am so sorry for needing the quick help, but can help too in some way. I just have to get it back up today...I can send you everything as far as FTP in a private message. I'm so lost...

[Steve Machol]

Do you have a backup of the database?

[makaiman]

Yes, I surely do sir... all of it...

[Steve Machol]

Restore that database to the new server, then edit your config.php file to point to that db.

Note: The only reliable method of restoring a database is with shell access via telnet or ssh. This is because restoring with a PHP script like that in phpMyAdmin can result in PHP timeout errors and an incomplete database. Please see the instructions here:

http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_restore

Note: Some people have reported success with these scripts:

MySQLDumper:

http://www.mysqldumper.de/en/index.php

MySQLHotxcopy:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134821&highlight=mysqlhotcopy

Bigdump (restore only):

http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump.php

[makaiman]

Well, what I did was this:
1) Created an empty database
2) installed vbulletin here, http://makaiman.com/dev/tydepoker/forums/index.php
3) Went into my hosting account, and "restored" the database over the empty database
4) Nothing from the old site shows up.

I'm not sure about how to use shell access but will see here. I just wish things were more simple and appreciate any and all help...

[Steve Machol]

On #2, what do you mean by 'installed'? What did you do exactly?

[makaiman]

Since I downloaded the entire vbulletin from the member's area here, I had the package I purchased because I lost it with the other hosting company. So, after backing up the database and bringing that database locally, I switched hosting companies and now with GoDaddy. I followed all of the directions and edited the config.php file acurately. Uploaded all the files from the upload folder on to the server. Renamed the upload to "forums" as I was told to in your docs. From there, I created an empty database on the server. I then installed vbulletin. Was successful. After that, I went back into the server and uploaded the backup database and restored it "over" the empty database, and still have nothing. I'd do anything if someone could help me as I may be missing something as there are over 30,000 members and I thought I did everything right. Thank you again for all of your help.

[Steve Machol]

Do not install vB. Instructions for moving servers are in the online manual here:

http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/moving_servers

Note: The only reliable method of backing up and restoring a database is with shell access via telnet or ssh. This is because backing up with a PHP script like that in the Admin CP or phpMyAdmin can result in PHP timeouts errors and an incomplete backup file. Please see the instructions here:

Backup:

http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_backup

Restore:

http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_restore

P.S. If you do not have telnet or SSH access, some people have reported success with these scripts:

MySQLDumper:

http://www.mysqldumper.de/en/index.php

MySQLHotxcopy:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134821&highlight=mysqlhotcopy

Bigdump (restore only):

http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump.php

[makaiman]

Well, there is no "moving servers" here as the old account is gone. I have everything locally now. So I'm not sure about moving servers as I have everything locally. What do you think from here since the old server (account) is gone?

[Steve Machol]

Create a new database with no table. Restore the db backup you have to that database. Then edit your config.php to point to that database.

If the backup and restore were done correctly, this will work.

[makaiman]

I am curious if you can see the database here, <removed> It's a 62 meg file. Because you're telling me not to install vbulletin at all and I'm not sure how I can when nothing is in the root folder right now save for the new upload folder I renamed to "forums"... thank you so much...

[Steve Machol]

The install creates a database. You don't need to 'install' because you already have a database. You need to follow the instructions in post #12.

Also I remove the link to your database backup because if anyone got a hold of this it could be a significant security issue. In fact, I hope it's not too late. You should check your server logs to see if anyone donwloaded this.