cloning production joomla site into local environment

[slk1066]

I have installed Joomla and downloaded production files to my local drive as instructed in Joomla documentation. Have also exported and imported mySql database into the local database. We also updated the local configuration.php. But when we log into local to access site we can't see production site look and feel into our new local site. Only a very generic Joomla site. What are we missing??? thanks.

[humvee]

Do you mean the template from your remote site is not displaying for the local site copy?
If so is the template correctly selected in the Template Manager?
Are there any error messages in the server/joomla log files, or on screen?
How did you transfer the site with FTP for files and phpMyAdmin DUMP for the database?

[Markstein]

@slk1066

Did you try using Akeeba Backup?

Besides using FTP and PhpMyAdmin you can use Akeeba Backup to easily transfer a site from your host to your computer. Follow the steps I posted in the thread linked below (replacing "bluehost" with your host).

http://forum.joomla.org/viewtopic.php?f ... 6#p2813400

Mark

[slk1066]

The template is loaded and installed in template folder on local but when you log on Joomla isn't seeing it. No error messages. We used my Admin for data base and ftp for production files.

[humvee]

1. It is likely then that the files were corrupted in some way during the transfer - although this would normally present with error messages.
   OR
2. You have not correctly configured the local Joomla site.
   OR
3. You have not correctly replaced all the original site files with the FTP'd files from the remote host.
   OR
4. There is an error/conflict between the database that was installed with the new installation and the subsequently imported site.
   OR
5. There is some issue between the versions of Joomla you used remotely and then locally.
   OR
6. There is an issue between the server software versions of the AMP server remotely and that which you are using locally.

**************************************************************

1. First check the technical aspects between local and remote hosts and make sure they are compatible.
2. Check the version of the Joomla used on remote site and ensure this is the same as that used on the local site.
3. Then, one of two options:
   1. Repeat the FTP/phpMyAdmin transfer
      OR
   2. Use the Akeeba Extension together with Kickstart as suggested above and follow the instructions closely and fully.
      Read the extensive documentation on-line at Akeeba Backup or download a copy of the same:
      • Kickstart User Guide.
      • Akeeba Backup Quick Start Guide
      • Akeeba Backup Guide