Calling Server Experts

[Krran]

After finally getting my server running, I often neglected to note the version of the server and DB I had operating. When updating, I have traced my problems back to not documenting this information (SQL updates were missed), and also the things that I did to get the server to function as I liked. So, document versions and your process while getting stuff working

Also, before updating, I now at least backup the DB and server that I have, if not clone the entire drive. It is very frustrating to try to do an update but end up screwing up a working version of your server.

Finally, learning basic skills in the languages, at least SQL, as you work on setting up your server. Google the commands you are running to see what if going on.

[chrsschb]

Save EVERY change you make to the default database in a text file. If you ever have to do a rebuild, database upgrade, recursive problem solving, etc you can go back through and reapply changes (or remove them) one by one or all at once as you need.

If you run a custom server with tons of database changes this will save you weeks/months of time recreating content.