its seems to be complicated. I am using an old forum software for years now. Its unsecure and old school, I'd like to switch but how import all the old threads into vanilla. My software called Burning Board 1.1.1 newest version here: http://www.woltlab.de/products/burning_board_lite/index.php Is there any sort of importer or a has anybody a way to move the content from one to the other?
is the archive worth it? what so special or noteworthy about the current forum?
Maybe you could just start a new one form the blank page.
I guess it's easier to dump some data from old sql tables and import just the basics to new one. User table (id, name and passw), post table (post title, content)
What i'm considering for my own similar situation (though I don't use your software) is to just leave the old board up, but close everything so it can only be viewed.