Test account questions

Can anyone explain to me how to create a test account for my forum, so I can try various changes I want to make without messing up my actual forum?

I need to know how to do it and where to set it up.

Thanks,

Nicole

You mean a test forum?
You just create one just like you created you actual forum here https://www.forumotion.com/free-forum.htm

I guess I mean a test forum.... but I want to create one which duplicates my forum as it is.... I have customized it quite alot!

I want to try changing php versions, skins etc... and will need to see how it affects my forum display afterwards without having to build everything from scratch again if you know what I mean.

You will need to export your theme then and then import it into the new one - but you will have to set up a few forums/categories to see how it really looks

I'll try.... thanks

Yes, Lisa is correct. Export your theme and transfer over any coding and CSS to your test forum where you can make any changes as you wish.

How do I export my theme? And transfer codes? I need details, please. I've neve done this before.
Can I also try the phpbb2 version on the test forum? I have phpbb3....

To export your theme, please go to:

1. Administration Panel (advanced mode)
2. Display Tab
3. Themes management (on the left, under Skins)
4. Export it there

Transferring the coding is simply transferring any custom CSS changes that you may have made and also any edits to your templates. If you're planning on using phpBB 3 then templates will be irrelevant. Please also note that your current theme might not work on phpBB 3 because it's phpBB 2. But you can still change it if you wish.

I made a test forum phpbb3, same version as my actual forum. Then I exported my actual forum skin (whole style).
I tried to import the actual forum skin to the testforurm and it doesnt work....
Am I doing something wrong?

ummm what did you do? did you check it by trying it once more?

You are not doing it wrong. I am aware the export feature of forumotion is a little buggy & it does not work as expected.

To make a test forum. Create one with the same skin as on your forum. Then, copy the css from your original forum to your test forum.

Thats the best way to do it.

yeah i would like to add if your going to change skins, then you would lose any original css you may have customized.

So having a test forum is diffidently what you want so you can always make sure any changes will not mess up your main forum..
Other then that like sanket has said, it's better to just add the skin and all your custom stuff to the test forum the same way you have it all on your main board, then take it from their.

Usually if you are just changeling a forums versions it will not effect any css changes, but if you are going to add a different skin with different css then yes it will replace your old css with what ever is in the new.

Ok I will try what you both suggested.....

When I made my forum I used phpbb3...... Does phpbb2 have more options?
I would like to know which version you think is best....

The only advantage phpbb2 has over phpbb3 is it offers template editing.

However, i still feel looks wise phpbb3 is far better.

Thanks..... solved

Solved => Locked