phpBB 2.0.x to Invision Power Board v2.0
Using the convertor
This document is designed to help you through the easy installation of our phpBB 2 convertor.
If you require any further help, please contact conversions@invisionpower.com.
Although this convertor has been tested thoroughly, it's always wise to back up your source files and Ikonboard
database before commencing with the conversion.
Uploading the convertor files
This document assumes that you already have an Invision Power Board installed and working. You do not need to use the same
mySQL database for Invision Power Board that your phpBB uses - although you may if you wish.
Using your FTP client, navigate into the root Invision Power Board directory on your server.
This is the directory that holds the IPB index.php file.
From the convertor folder freshly unzipped onto your hard drive, move into the folder called "upload".
Upload the file 'conv_ikonboard.php' into the root IPB directory on your server.
Upload the directory 'conv_api' and it's contents (api_functions.php, api_mysql.php, api_template.php
api_phpbb.php, post_parser.php) into the root IPB directory so you have the following structure:
/forums/
/forums/conv_phpbb.php
/forums/conv_api
/forums/conv_api/api_functions.php
...etc
Running the convertor for the first time
Access the convertor by typing in the URL to 'conv_phpbb.php' in your web browser (eg: www.domain.com/forums/conv_phpbb.php)
When it loads, it will inform you that you have to configure the convertor before use.
Click on the "configure" link.
Configuring the convertor
The configuration screen should hold little surprise. It requires that you input your phpBB mySQL information.
If you're unsure of what it is, check in your 'include/config.php' file for the information.
You also need to input the amount of database rows converted per meta-refresh page. The amounts largely
depend on your database size and server power. You can re-configure the convertor at any time, so if you
find that the script times out or lags badly during a conversion, you may go back and change these values.
Using the convertor
The convertor is designed to be non-linear. This means that you can convert as many, or as few sections as
you wish, you can also go back and re-convert at a later time if desired. Please note however, that each time
you start converting a section, that sections tables will be emptied (eg, if converting forums, the DB table
ibf_forums will be emptied).
To convert a section, simply click on the "Convert" link
Once all sections have been converted
Please remember to remove the file 'conv_phpbb.php' after the conversion has completed. Leaving
public access to that file will allow anyone to convert again at will and get your phpBB Admin log in details.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Other Notes
Due to the different ways in which phpBB deals with user groups and moderators, it will not be possible to convert
this information. During the member convert, the converter script will make any phpBB admin accounts an IPB admin account,
and any phpBB member accounts into IPB member accounts. You can adjust the settings of these groups once you've got your
data converted.
After converting forums, your board will be switched offline to protect your private forums.
To turn the board back online, simply log into the Admin CP, Expand the "System Settings" menu and click
on "Board on/off".
After you've converted your information, we recommend that you do a stat recount to set right the board statistics.
You can do this by logging into the Admin CP, Expand the "Administration" sub-menu and click on "Recount Statistics". This will
recount your members and posts to ensure they're correct.
Take care in the uploading of the files and make sure it's uploaded into the root IPB directory on your server.
When reporting bugs, please prefix the e-mail subject title with "phpBB" so our team knows what to do with the report.