Upgrading/Migrating: Migrate from Social Learner to BuddyBoss Platform

Introduction
Migrating from Social Learner to the BuddyBoss Platform allows you to leverage enhanced features, better design flexibility, and improved performance. This guide walks you through every step required for a smooth and successful migration, ensuring that all functionalities are preserved and optimized on the new platform. This tutorial is specifically designed for customers using the Social Learner product and looking to upgrade to the BuddyBoss Platform.

Watch the migration tutorial video to see the complete process in action.

Pre-Migration Checklist

1. Backup Your Website (Timestamp: 2:16)
   • Why: Creating a backup safeguards your data and allows for a full restoration if any issues occur during migration.
   • How:
     • Use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy, or utilize your hosting provider’s built-in backup tool.
     • Ensure the backup includes your database, WordPress files, themes, plugins, and media files.
2. Disable Unnecessary Plugins (Timestamp: 2:31)
   • Why: Deactivating non-essential plugins minimizes conflicts and potential issues during the migration.
   • How:
     • Go to Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins.
     • Deactivate plugins that are not essential for the migration process.

Step-by-Step Migration Process

1. Upload BuddyBoss Platform (Timestamp: 4:50)
   • Navigate to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
   • Click Upload Plugin and select the BuddyBoss Platform ZIP file.
   • Click Install Now, then Activate once installed.
2. Upload BuddyBoss Theme (Timestamp: 5:18)
   • Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
   • Upload the BuddyBoss Theme ZIP file.
   • Click Install Now and Activate once installed.
3. Upload BuddyBoss Child Theme (Timestamp: 5:42)
   • Upload and activate the BuddyBoss Child Theme using the same steps as above.
   • Using a child theme ensures that future updates don’t override customizations.
4. Fix LearnDash Courses Page (Timestamp: 6:35)
   • Navigate to Dashboard > LearnDash LMS > Courses.
   • Edit the Courses page and ensure it uses the default template.
   • Clear any customizations that may conflict with the BuddyBoss Theme.
5. Set LearnDash to ‘LearnDash 3.0’ Template (Timestamp: 7:42)
   • Go to Dashboard > LearnDash LMS > Settings.
   • Under General Settings, set the LearnDash Template to LearnDash 3.0.
   • This ensures compatibility with the BuddyBoss Platform’s design.
6. Activate License Key for BuddyBoss Theme (Timestamp: 8:31)
   • Go to Dashboard > BuddyBoss > License Keys.
   • Enter your BuddyBoss Theme license key and click Activate License.

Configuring BuddyBoss Components

1. Enable Forums Component (Timestamp: 10:05)
   • Navigate to Dashboard > BuddyBoss > Components.
   • Enable the Forums component.
   • Note: Fixing forums permalinks is no longer required (Timestamp: 11:33).
2. Enable Media Component and Run Media Migration (Timestamp: 12:21 – 12:50)
   • Enable the Media component to allow users to upload and share photos and videos.
   • After enabling, run the Media Migration to transfer existing media content from Social Learner.
3. Enable Network Search (Timestamp: 14:15)
   • Activate Network Search to enhance the search functionality across your community site.
4. Enable Follow and Likes (Timestamp: 21:45)
   • Enable the Follow and Likes components to enhance social engagement within the community.
5. Connect LearnDash Groups to Social Groups (Timestamp: 24:28)
   • Go to Dashboard > BuddyBoss > Integrations > LearnDash.
   • Connect LearnDash Course Groups with BuddyBoss Social Groups.
   • This ensures seamless integration between course content and community interaction.

Post-Migration Cleanup and Testing

1. Delete Unused Plugins and Themes (Timestamp: 15:43)
   • Why: Removing unused plugins and themes improves site security and performance.
   • How:
     • Go to Dashboard > Plugins and Appearance > Themes.
     • Delete any old or inactive plugins and themes, including Social Learner.
2. Repair Data (Timestamp: 20:50)
   • Navigate to Dashboard > Tools > BuddyBoss Tools.
   • Run Repair Data to ensure all components are working correctly after migration.
3. Migrate/Test Any Custom Development (Timestamp: 30:26)
   • If you have custom code or modifications, test them thoroughly to ensure compatibility with the BuddyBoss Platform.
   • Consider working with a developer if customizations need adjustments.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What if my LearnDash courses don’t display correctly?
A: Ensure that the LearnDash template is set to LearnDash 3.0 under LearnDash LMS > Settings.

Q: How do I reconnect social groups to courses?
A: Navigate to BuddyBoss > Integrations > LearnDash and ensure the groups are properly connected.

Q: Why aren’t my media files displaying after migration?
A: Ensure the Media Migration step was completed successfully. Re-run the migration if necessary.

Q: Is it safe to delete Social Learner after migration?
A: Yes, once you confirm that everything is working with the BuddyBoss Theme, you can safely delete Social Learner to free up server resources.

Related Resources

• How to Install and Activate BuddyBoss Platform
• BuddyBoss Theme Customization Guide
• Configuring BuddyBoss Components
• Connecting LearnDash Groups with BuddyBoss Social Groups