Moodle host migration

Moodle host migration

by H Perl -
Number of replies: 5
Hello,

We used moodle on a debian server with this version :

OS debian 8.7,Mysql  5.5.57-0,Php  5.6.30, Moodle 3.3.1

We would like to move moodle to an update system with RHEL9, and we tried to follow this procedure : https://docs.moodle.org/403/en/Moodle_migration

First,  we installed moodle 4.3.1 with mariaDB 10.6.16, php 8.0 on this new system.
and we migrated DB with with a backup and restore.
We copied moodledata from old to new server.
Config.php is correct , because we keep same db name, dbuser.
After restart mariadb,httpd service, i received "Error reading from database"

Does something is wrong on this process of migration ? or how i can troubleshoot this issue ?

Thanks for help,
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In reply to H Perl

Re: Moodle host migration

by Ken Task -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers
Please see and read/comprehend:
http://www.syndrega.ch/blog/#php-and-dbms-compatibility-of-major-moodle-releases

From 3.3.1 - requires a 'march' of Moodle to supported versions (goal of LTS versions of Moodle is good) and in-between upgrades of Moodle, upgrades to PHP + extensions and MariaDB *before* hops.

The following:
https://docs.moodle.org/403/en/Moodle_migration
did not cover what you are attempting to do.

On new server one might have to install and run lower versions of PHP/MariaDB just
to restore older site.    Then 'march' the moodle upwards, again upgrading PHP + extensions and MariaDB *before* hops.

The version of PHP/MariaDB upgraded such that they meet supports for the marched moodles.

If your old site is still up, go to Server, Admin Menu, Environment check and update the component.   Then use the moodle version dropdown pick list to see requirements needed.

Also, if you have any 3rd party addons to Moodle, research those to see if they have a compatible version for your destination version.  

That includes themes ... also advised you force the theme to boost via config.php file so theme's won't be an issue with upgrades during the march .. worry about how it looks only after the march ends!

Each successfull hop upwards, check and update plugins and then strongly suggest doing a site backup so that if the next hop fails for some reason, you've not lost what you have gained by restoring the last working hop.

Basically, one cannot do a 'hyperjump' - not with code and not with DB. :|

'SoS', Ken

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In reply to H Perl

Re: Moodle host migration

by Visvanath Ratnaweera -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Translators
Everything Ken said plus my personal choice: March along the LTS route: 3.3.1 > 3.3.final > 3.5.final > 3.9.final > 4.1.latest > 4.3.latest. I would take a long break at 3.9. The generation change to 4.x hurts sometimes, especially in the plug-in arena.

In short, if your people were happy with 3.3 for so many years, there is no great rush to jump in to the latest and the shyniest. The only compelling factor is the end of security support of certain components. With careful planning, like the proper Linux distribution, you can solve that.

Additional plug-ins are a completely different story. Rather than talking about the 2000+ plug-ins in the plug-in database, find out the additional plug-ins your site has and post here.

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In reply to Visvanath Ratnaweera

Re: Moodle host migration

by H Perl -
Hello,

Thank you for feedback,

We reached 3.9 finale version, and as you explain , we are faced with an issue with Essential plugin. It is end of life since 3.6. i supposed i need to find another plugin with same functions ?
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In reply to H Perl

Re: Moodle host migration

by Ken Task -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers
Essentials is a theme ... all controlling.  Matter of fact, author of the theme highly recommended forcing the theme to use boost in config.php of site, prior to any site upgrade.
It had over 700 settings - massive.

My advice ... set theme to boost in config.php.   Delete the Essentials theme now.

Migrate/upgrade core + plugins first and get that to function - all the way to destination version of core.   You'll have PHP version upgrades and DB server upgrades to perform along the way.

Only after you arrive at destination version and everything fuctions, then look for another theme.   If site doesn't function, makes no difference in how it looks ... function trumps form.

'SoS', Ken



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In reply to H Perl

Re: Moodle host migration

by Visvanath Ratnaweera -
Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Translators
Essential was a beautiful plug-in which was unfortunately discontinued. To march forward you should change the theme to the default Boost theme. Once you reach the target release look for an additional theme, there are some excellent ones in the plug-in database.
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