I am having a few problems with our DNN Install after upgrading a few times, eventually from 4.2/4.3 (can't remember) to 4.6.2.

It is also on a shared SQL Server with many others, but 500Mb and a single Database only... so might it be a good idea to bring it onto my own dedicated server which would be running SQL Server Express?  Should I expect performance issues or any problems?  Bear in mind I don't know enough about the shared server, just that mine is a 3GHz P4 with 2Gb RAM.

The switch of the SQL servers is one thing, so we have better access & control for back-ups, testing databases etc... but the next step might be a big job for me (non-programmer) but I will do my best.   I would like to bring the Portals (3-5 of them, 1 major importance to me) across but at the same time upgrade to DNN 4.8.2 and try to get rid of all the problems I have had (scheduler overloading shared server, no forum notifications, forum times stuck GMT-8 no matter etc).

Is that a job that I should expect serious difficulties with?  Can I look at it along the lines of: 

1. Setting up clean DNN4.8.2 & testing
2. Install all modules as before (same versions I expect is best)
3. Creating Portal to be brought across
4. Copy all Portal data (not sure how on this but I am all ears for pointers!)

Am I seriously missing something here, thinking of it too simple... or an easier way to do this?

All help & direction is appreciated.

Thanks

David

David,

you should be able to move a SQL200 or SQL2005 database towards SQL Express Advanced (with Db Management Studio Express) by either detaching and attaching the database or backup and restore. Regarding transfer of the site, please read this pinned post in the install it! forum.