Forum PHPBB3 to vBulletin4 - ImpEx doesn't work - another option?
 

I'm trying to import my small sized (~75,000 posts) PHPBB3 board into vBulletin 4. I've tried using ImpEx several times using different batch sizes (while the phpbb3 board was disabled) and I keep getting several failed threads, and over 300 failed posts. Not only that, nothing shows on the vBulletin board even after setting default view times and resetting counters.

I have submitted a support ticket, and the person who I've corresponded with was useless. He told me nothing aside from "you need to set up a localhost environment to do the import so you have control over the environment".

I contacted my domain/host provider, 1and1, and they were amazing with the support. They told me it's likely their firewalls that are preventing ImpEx from working properly, and walked me through the process of exporting my phpbb3 database into a .sql file which I've saved. They told me all I need to do is import this file into the new database where my vBulletin board is.

I attempted to import using an SQL query with the .sql file, but nothing showed up. I replied to the vBulletin support person asking how I would do this, and he responded by repeating same as above: "set up a localhost environment to do the import... etc"

So far, I am really unimpressed with vBulletin. I have searched the forums extensively for a solution to my problem, to no avail. Most relevant threads end in "submit a support ticket" with no follow up, not to mention you can't even search by posts on this forum, only threads show in the results. Furthermore, my supposed support technician I got after submitting a ticket was anything but helpful.

It's been almost 4 days now of trying to set this up! There has to be a way for me to manually import the phpbb3 board into vBulletin... or at the very least, someone nice enough (ie. not a vBulletin support tech) who can walk me through the process of importing without using ImpEx.

Coming from a very active and helpful phpbb3 community, it was quite a shock to find vBulletin so lacking in support. I would very much appreciate any help, guidance, tips, or even links.

Thank you!