I finally got a response from my web hosts, after more than 48 hours. They gave me yet another set of instructions for backing up my database and uninstalling and reinstalling WordPress. This is, as you might have guessed, not helpful. I already tried that, guys.
The heart of the problem is that my database is too large to import via phpMyAdmin. It chokes whenever I try. If I could successfully import my database, I think I could solve everything else myself. At the very least, I know that I can get version 2.3.3 up and running. I’ve asked if they can increase the file size capability in phpMyAdmin. Any bets on how long it’ll take them to respond? Or if they’ll respond?
I’m not feeling at all confident in the person who’s dealing with my current help ticket. First, the instructions she gave me were not explicit. The paths were not quite correct (I get the impression that they were written for a similar, but not identical, system–maybe she works for another branch of the same company?), but I’ve been screwing around with this long enough that I was able to figure out what she meant.
She also gave me a list of instructions for FTPing that included the address of an FTP host that I’ve never even heard of (bizland.com). Weird! I’m guessing they must be the affiliated with the company that bought my web hosts a couple of years ago.
And then, under the instructions for exporting my database, she repeatedly used the word “Import.” I’d rather not find out what would happen if I’d imported another database into the one I was supposed to be exporting. Perhaps nothing, if the imported database didn’t overwrite the existing one. But gee, I’d rather not find out!
Addendum: Now my most recent help ticket is marked “Resolved.” I don’t think so!
red paper boat 