Firstly i just want to announce that i haven't used any Forum scripts yet but i plan to for various future projects. What i would like to know is if you choose one script, just for example SMF and then further down the line you feel that you would like to use vBulletin, would it be possible to move your database over to working with the new script? or are there just too many differences? I hope its not a daft question to ask, and i have heard of people migrating a database over to a different script and with a bit of extra work they can get it working, but im unsure if anyone can do this with forums. I would be happy to hear your advice on this or even of anyone thats ever done this, or if its impossible. Or would you just choose a script from the beginning with intention of sticking with that one?
Hey dude. I have just converted a phpbb forum to an smf forum. After a few hours searching and experimenting i came across a converter. I installed it, ran it and the job was done in less than a minute. On the smf website they have converters to convert from almost any other forum and most other forums will probably have the same. Hope this helps.
Hi delrivo Wow, thats pretty good news to be honest i wasn't expecting to hear that it would be possible but its great to know that now. Im doing some research now over the coming weeks but i know i cant guarantee that i will choose the right one for me, especially having not run a forum before. At least i know i can make the switch if neccessary, how are you getting on with SMF? your opinion is greatly appreciated.
You can do this but be advised that any previous linking to specific posts might not work anymore. There are ways around this but it takes a lot more work then running a script. On another note will google ping you because of the url changes? Does anyone know how it would affect page rank?
Right, what GoodOmens said. Linkings may not work anymore, also add-ons or plugins/mods may not work either. (and any information carried with them may mess up the converter, although unlikely). vBulletin actually codes their converter themselves (impex) and it can convert from almost every forum out there. free download with your license
Good points made there in the previous posts since mine. In answer to the OP. I have set up a test forum with smf and converted everything over but i havn't converted my main site yet. I am also currently looking at the other options and i may choose something different. At the min smf is looking the favourite but i may also keep my site as it is (phpbb) and wait until i get a licence for vbulletin. dicisions, dicisions???