Test Joomla and VM site

[jimleeder123]

I have a site that needs updating from Joomla 1.5 and VM1 to Joomla 2.5 and VM2 (the best our server is compatible with).

Is it possible to have a domain like www.randomwebsite.co.uk/test , and put all the files in the test folder so the test site can be seen there only? The live site would still be active on www.randomwebsite.co.uk . Is it possible to have it like this? Or would I have to get a subdomain like www.test.randomwebsite.co.uk ?

I would then upload the same site on the test folder as a test, and link it to a test database.

Is this possible please?

[GJC Web Design]

hardly a VM forum question- this is basic site management stuff

but use Akeeba (and Google it) - you can clone your site in 10 mins - (why would you want to share your DB?? it will get over written when you upgrade!!!)

[jimleeder123]

I tried looking up Akeeba before but it wouldn't install as its not compatiable with our server.

Also GJC, we purchased your postcode plugin a while ago. (http://www.gjcwebdesign.com/joomla-downloads/virtuemart-20-postcode-zip-code-shipping-plugin.html) - is it compatible with VM1 and VM2? Since we are having problems with the admin order confirmation e-mail when its printed.

[jenkinhill]

It must be time you updated your server - I assume you are using an old version of PHP?  Think of the potential security issues.....

[GJC Web Design]

then just duplicate the site the "normal" way

And there isn't a VM plug in the the world that is VM1 & VM2 compatible.. they use totally different coding architecture 

So the plugin as advertised is ONLY VM2 compatible ..

But I really think your attempting to climb a mountain here without the basic equipment.. if you need to ask how to clone a site then I'm afraid your going to find migrating (not updating)  a J1.5/VM1.1 site to J2.5/VM2.6 quite a challenge..

I think you need to do a lot more research into how to go about it..

[jimleeder123]

I'm thinking of moving to Wordpress with something like Marketpress anyway since the latest version is compatible with our server

[Troels_E]

What are the limitations you hit on your server?
Virtuemart isn't very demanding (for a small shop it runs perfectly on a cheap webhotel) why not move to some better hosting?

[jimleeder123]

I get asked this by everyone and I give the same answer. We have our own server, we won't upgrade as if it goes wrong theres many websites on there that will suffer, so we won't upgrade.

The latest version of Wordpress is compatible so its maybe a better option for us.

[jenkinhill]

Yeah, WP will run on PHP5.2.4 and upwards - but they do recommend people to use 5.4 or greater for security (and speed) purposes. I would not like to risk running eCommerce on a a potentially insecure platform as it can be costly in reputation and fines if hackers invite themselves in.  But in any case PHP5.4+ is usually required for a server to pass PCI compliance.