Question

Hello, I need to know what files, or if there is an easy way to move an existing Twiki server to a new phisical server. Running Ubuntu (Debian Based 3.1r2) Kernel 2.6 If you need more info, please let me know. Thank you.

Environment

-- JdHenderson - 17 Jul 2006

Answer

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The basic approach is to just tar and gzip the files (assuming everything is under /home/twiki) - then, copy to the new machine and unzip in a similar place. You will need to replicate a similar Apache config, edit bin/LocalLib.cfg, etc, and then just change settings via configure (which edits lib/LocalSite.cfg). The main task is making sure that the new URL and filesystem path settings are right, and ensuring that all files have correct ownership and permissions. Re-locking of RCS files is also sometimes needed.

If you have existing users of your server, it's a good idea to set it to read-only or take it down completely, and of course warn them ahead of time (e.g. using the BroadcastMessageHandling feature). If you have a significant user base it's worth doing a pre-migration test to get it all working on the new server, then a final cutover that only migrates files modified recently.

It's best in my experience to move the site while keeping the same version, i.e. just transfer all script, template and data files, rather than trying to combine a server move with a TWiki upgrade. Once you've moved the server you can run UpgradeTWiki as needed.

Hope that helps - this has come up quite a few times before, so do have a Google for relevant topics here - Google:twiki+server+move, or (better) type 'server move' into the shiny new 'Google AJAX' search field at the top of this page.

-- RichardDonkin - 18 Jul 2006

Thank you so very much Richard, this will come in very handy. Awesome. Thanks.

-- JdHenderson - 18 Jul 2006