I am in dire need of assistance. I am in the process of moving my DNN sites to a new host. I have moved my files and folders over as well as my database. I have pointed my DNS to point to the new host. I have changed SQL Connection Strings to the old string. Now my sites are not working. I am pretty sure it has to do with the web.config file sections Machinekey, validation key, decryption key etc. I am not sure how to create new keys for this instance.

To make maters worse my host has stated that they do not support manual installation of DNN. (contrary to what they told me when I signed up) They have a script installer that installs DNN. Also my DNN sites are version 4.3.4 and their script installs  v4.4.1. So they will not help me on this issue. I have some ideas on this but I am not sure if they are right and I would really appreciate any help anyone can provide.

Idea 1:

1. Use the script to install to my current database using the same DB User ID & PW
2. This should copy the new DNN files to my website root folder and overwrite all existing "DNN" files and folders
3. This should create new web.config file sections Machinekey, validation key, decryption key etc.
4. I should be able to use the host login that I create when I install the script?

Idea 2:

1. Use the script to install to a new database and folder using the same DB User ID & PW
2. This should create new web.config file sections Machinekey, validation key, decryption key etc.
3. Copy the keys to my old web.config file
4. I should be able to use the host login that I create when I install the script?

Any assistance anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

And M Lynn

Hello And M Lynn

You might try using your new connection strings to your current server and database.

You will need to retain the old machine, validaton, decription key so you can log in to your old site using your old Username and Password.

Lynn

Hello,

Did you find the solution to your problem?

Idea1 and idea 2 will not work if you wish to move an old DNN site to a new host.

From your old host you need to copy all your files and folders and create a backup copy of your database.
You then need to restore the database to your new hosting provider and upload all of the DotNetNuke installation files and folders.
Edit your web.config file leaving the original machineKey, validationKey etc.  and just change the IP address for your SQL Server - the username, password and database name should remain the same.

You need to keep the original machine key values in order for your dotnetnuke login passwords to work.

Your hosting provider will need to enable the correct permissions on your DotNetNuke installation files and folders

If you have just moved to a new host and they are not being very helpful restoring a backup I would suggest you use a different host that is more flexible with DotNetNuke, it will probably save you a lot of time in the long run. Powerdnn.com are really good at transferring DotNetNuke installations.

Thanks,