Question about switching distros

[RobbieThe1st]

Currently I have a VPS which is running Centos 4.8 Final. Its also running PHP 4.4.7, and and MySql 4.1.22. I haven't really updated it since I got it, and now its time to either upgrade everything, or switch to a different distro.

I am thinking about switching to Ubuntu, as I am more familiar with that than I am with CentOS. Assmuning I decide to do so, what is the process? Is it simply a matter of backing up my files, asking for my VPS to be loaded with my new OS, and then re-uploading my files, changing configuration, installing software and such?

Also, I noticed that the version of Ubuntu available(according to the main website) is 7.4. Why such an old version? Why not 8.04 or 9.04/10?

Thanks,

-Robbie

[eUKShane]

Hello,

Currently I have a VPS which is running Centos 4.8 Final. Its also running PHP 4.4.7, and and MySql 4.1.22. I haven't really updated it since I got it, and now its time to either upgrade everything, or switch to a different distro.

I am thinking about switching to Ubuntu, as I am more familiar with that than I am with CentOS. Assmuning I decide to do so, what is the process? Is it simply a matter of backing up my files, asking for my VPS to be loaded with my new OS, and then re-uploading my files, changing configuration, installing software and such?

We will provide you with a new Ubuntu VPS on the same VPS Plan, but the thing is as CentOS and ubuntu both have different platforms so we can't migrate the data. For you we can copy the private area (which includes everything) to your new VPS and then you have to take care of your data. You won't be able to restore your e-mails, only webdata will be useful for you. You will also need to manually restore any databases you have.

Also, I noticed that the version of Ubuntu available(according to the main website) is 7.4. Why such an old version? Why not 8.04 or 9.04/10?

We can provide you latest Ubuntu version, that is not a problem.

Let us know if you want us to proceed with this.

[RobbieThe1st]

Hello,


We will provide you with a new Ubuntu VPS on the same VPS Plan, but the thing is as CentOS and ubuntu both have different platforms so we can't migrate the data. For you we can copy the private area (which includes everything) to your new VPS and then you have to take care of your data. You won't be able to restore your e-mails, only webdata will be useful for you. You will also need to manually restore any databases you have.



We can provide you latest Ubuntu version.

Let us know if you want us to proceed with this.

Ok, great, on all counts.

One other little question: I did a full backup via the Virtuozzo control panel, can I download that backup directly? I just see options to restore and delete.

If I do switch, I will probably want to do so with a clean slate, and then upload only what I need, leaving the accumulated "junk" behind.

Thanks,

-Robbie

[eUKShane]

Hello Robbie,

You cannot download and un-compress Virtuozzo backup on your local machine. You have to restore the backup from Virtuozzo itself.

Virtuozzo saves the backup on the hardware node on which your VPS is hosted (with Virtuozzo extensions).

The private area contains your VPS image and as I told you that, we will upload the same private folder to your new VPS. So you can simply copy required data from it.

[RobbieThe1st]

Alright.
I do have another couple of little questions(Sorry):
When you copy the files, will it be everything from the root folder(yes, I know that the OS files can't be actually used), will it only everything in /home/, or what?
Also, is this data going into a specific folder like "/old" on the new VPS, or will, say, the contents of "/home/*user*" be placed in the "/home/*user*" on the new VPS?

I apologize if these questions seem a bit stupid; I'm just trying to figure out what exactly I will need to create on the new VPS to get my(and my sub-hosted accounts) files where they should be.

Thanks for all your help so far,

-Robbie

[eUKShane]

Hello,

No problem at all, feel free to ask any number of questions.

When you copy the files, will it be everything from the root folder(yes, I know that the OS files can't be actually used), will it only everything in /home/, or what?

The backup folder will include everything, a complete image of your old VPS. You can say I am copying a clone of your VPS in the backup folder. You will see the same contents in it which you can see in / partition at the moment. So don't have to worry about your data.

Also we won't be able to install cPanel or plesk on ubuntu so you will have to manage all your accounts, webdata, databases and emails. It is always recommended to go for CentOs, but if you have experience with Ubuntu then there should be no problem.

Also, is this data going into a specific folder like "/old" on the new VPS, or will, say, the contents of "/home/*user*" be placed in the "/home/*user*" on the new VPS?

We will copy the image of your old VPS in /oldvps folder.

[RobbieThe1st]

Ok, that makes perfect sense, and I shouldn't have too much trouble.

Also we won't be able to install cPanel or plesk on ubuntu so you will have to manage all your accounts, webdata, databases and emails. It is always recommended to go for CentOs, but if you have experience with Ubuntu then there should be no problem.

Alright, however this brings up a bit of a question: When we got this VPS, we had Cpanel enabled, and we have been paying for this server by the year. I don't have the exact information handy here, but I am sure we have a few months left before renewal time.
Upon switching, I won't be able to have cpanel, so will any of the licence-time I have paid for but not used yet(5 pounds per month X however many months I have left) be refunded or put towards my next payment, or will it all be lost?


Oh, and off the topic, but when I do decide to have you switch my VPS, would you prefer a post here, a forum PM, to use the live chat... whats the best method to do such a thing?

---

No matter the answers to these questions, expect to hear from me in around two or three weeks(have to notify my users, make sure I have enough time to get things working again..)

Thanks,

-Robbie

[Scott]

Hi Robbie,

It would be great if you could provide me IP address of your vps. So that I can check cPanel license with our accounts department.

Please email us at vps@eukhost.com whenever you want to switch VPS with Ubuntu OS. We will get it done for you.

[Scott]

Hi,

Thanks for providing IP address. I have created support ticket in our billing department for you. Ticket #DIR-63727-540

You shall receive a reply from them as soon as possible.

[RobbieThe1st]

I'm ready. I sent an email to vps@eukhost.com with the required information and the subject "Switch/upgrade of VPS #2735".

Thanks all,

-Robbie

[Scott]

Hi,

Sam is working on your "VPS switch" request and will reply to your email as soon as new Ubuntu VPS will be ready to use.