How to create test server

[chez]

I am downloading xampp, as per dcz's advice

I have downloaded a copy of all files from my live server and will backup my mysql databases.

Once I have xampp up and running, I assume it will just be a case of copying the file structure somewhere within the xampp install, enabling mod_rewrite within the httpd config and then importing the exported mysql into the xampp mysql.

Is there more to it than this? Any tips or pointers?

Thanks
Chez

[chez]

OK, so.. I did all of that and have it up and running, but for some reason, most of the links on my test forum still point to my live domain, not localhost.

The ACP link is correct, but all forum links point to the live domain. The login screen is localhost, but as soon as u hit login, it redirects to the live domain.. any ideas??

[chez]

OK.. I've found the solution and thought I'd post it, in case anyone else runs into this problem -

Change your server and cookie settings in ACP on the local version to "localhost" instead of your domain name.. simple!

[dcz]

Yes, you just need to adjust your phpBB Server and Cookie settings

[Typo]

I think dcz mentions and recommends 'test servers' so often that we should probably have an article, faq or at least a topic here on how to get one going.

I will bug dcz in chat tonight about me possible tossing something together. I wouldn't expect it to be a complete how-to but more of a basic checklist of the steps needed to create and utilize a local server for working on your sites copy of phpBB.

Typo

[chez]

I think dcz mentions and recommends 'test servers' so often that we should probably have an article, faq or at least a topic here on how to get one going.

I will bug dcz in chat tonight about me possible tossing something together. I wouldn't expect it to be a complete how-to but more of a basic checklist of the steps needed to create and utilize a local server for working on your sites copy of phpBB.

Typo

That would have been really useful

[Typo]

Dcz usually gets on chat a little later and I want to have him go over it with me and decide how/where exactly we want to post it but I have already begun the basic step-by-step walkthrough.

I want to make clear however that this will not be an extensive journey into every single aspect that is involved in the process. There is a lot of different things involved and this is simply a basic what to do that is put together with the assumption that you can figure out things yourself and have a basic knowledge dealing with this stuff such as the assumption that you already know how to backup your site via ftp and that you know how to make a proper backup of your db using a program like PHPMyAdmin or MySQLDumper (making backups inside the ACP is just plain not recommended).

I will post here later with more info.

Typo

[Typo]

The previous spammer made me realize I never updated this post with a link to How to set up a local server using xampp so there ya go.

Enjoy

Typo