Upgrading from the old WAGroups script to version 2

If your directory runs on the first, CodeIgniter-based WAGroups script, you do not have to start from zero. Version 2 includes an importer that reads your old database and brings your content across.

What is moved

• Categories — with their SEO title, description and page text. Categories marked "Adult / 18+" stay adult.
• Group links — as links of type Group, with their status, views and clicks. Premium links become featured; keywords become tags.
• Members — accounts and profile details, with the same email and the same password. Your members simply sign in as before.
• Blog posts — into the Blogs extension.
• Pictures — optionally copied from the old uploads folder.

Wallet balances, API keys, messages and ad codes are not imported. Paste your ad codes into the Ad Manager extension.

Step by step

1. Back up the old files and database. The importer only reads the old database, but a backup is always wise.
2. Install version 2 in a new folder or on a sub-domain first, with a new database. Keep the old site running.
3. Open Admin › System › Import old data and enter the old database's host, name, user and password. Add the server path of the old uploads/images folder if you want pictures copied.
4. Run the import. It can be run again safely: rows that already exist are skipped.
5. Check your categories, a few links and a member account. Give admin or staff roles to your team under Users — everyone arrives as a normal member.
6. Switch over: point your domain to the new installation, or move it into place, and move your license to the domain in your client area if needed.

Keep your rankings

Addresses in version 2 are different from the old script. After switching, submit the new /sitemap.xml in Google Search Console. If your old link pages had good rankings, add redirects from the old addresses to the new ones in your .htaccess, or ask our support team for help with the rules.

What you gain

Channels, communities, business chats, catalogues and call links; fetched names and pictures; a real moderation queue; reports and link health; reviews, favourites and featured listings; a public API and an Android app — on a modern, secure Laravel 12 base that will keep receiving updates.