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Migrate DOCman 4 to a different site

Last updated: 29 September 2022

How it works

Requirements

Migrating data requires the latest DOCman version (4.x) on both sites. You should first upgrade DOCman to the latest maintenance release in both sites.

If you need to migrate a DOCman 3.x installation check our DOCman 3.x to DOCman 4.0 upgrade tutorial.

What data will be migrated?

Everything except the uploaded files. You will need to move the uploaded files manually.

1. Backup, the backup

Before you start the migration process please make a full backup of your site.

2. Export from the old site

  1. Upgrade DOCman to the latest versions
  2. Go to DOCman > settings > Export DOCman data
  3. Click on Export button to start the export process
  4. After the process is complete, you should have an export file downloaded

3. Import in the new site

  1. Install the latest DOCman versions in the new site
  2. Go to DOCman > settings > Import from ZIP file
  3. Select the export file you downloaded from the old site to start the import process

4. Move files

You also need to move your files to the new site. They are typically found in the joomlatools-files directory in the root of your site.

Move your files from OLD_SITE/joomlatools-files into the NEW_SITE/joomlatools-files directory.

5. Check menu items

DOCman menu items from the old site are migrated into a Migrated menu items menu type.

We recommend that you move these menu items to the appropriate location using the Menu Manager in the administrator instead of creating new ones.

"Help! I can't create menu items anymore."

When you import data from a different site, sometimes the database gets confused and you end up with a corrupted menu table. As a result, you won't be able to create new menu items. Fortunately, Joomla comes built-in with a easy fix for this: the Rebuild button.

The Rebuild button will reconstruct and refresh your menu table. This button can be found in the toolbar of your Menu Manager. After rebuilding your menu table, you should now be able to create menu items again.

6. Check modules

DOCman modules from the old site are also migrated. You might need to set their position to a different value if the new site is using a different template.