Ar first glance this seems simple but I am by no means a sql expert so I am asking this question in advance.

During the install script it prompts you for

• Database Server Name
• Database Name
• Database User and Database Password
• Tablename Prefix

So if I wish to set up a test board what do I do.
Install ubb in a separate folder then use the same same settings as my active board except for Tablename Prefix which by default is ubbt_ ? If this is true what naming convention do I use for the test board ubbt2_? Not sure what the underscore is needed for. I don'T care about using existing data in my live board I just want a test board for new releases.

It's actually a lot simpiler than that:

1) Create a new DB in mysql (ubbtest) for example

2) Create a new UBB directory on your server (ubbtest) for example

3) Install UBBT.7 per install instructions using the above info.

Optional steps:

4) Once installed change the cookie prefix to "ubbtest"
5) Title the test board TEST TEST TEST
6) Change the default theme to something other than your live board.

Bingo, test board.

The cookie thing may not be necessary but I did it because I think I had trouble being logged into both my test and live boards at the same time using the same browser.

The reason I asked this question is due to cost, from my host provider. It is cheaper to add tables than to add another database. Way cheaper.
And I did notice that there is a prompt for multiple forums using the same database during the install.
Or was I dreaming?
I did not think about the cookie issue though.

Ah, interesting hosting arrangement. I wouldn't have expected a host to charge for additional DB's let alone the number of tables within a db.

The database prefix is there to be able to do multiple installs within one database. Same with the cookie prefix, it's there for multiple installs on one domain.

Thanks blaaskaak that what I am looking for.
What is the format I should enter for the Database prefix and cookie prefix?
Any concerns I should have with using the two forums(one test,one live) with one database?
I understand that I should end up with double the tables but with a different prefix for each forum.

No issues whatsoever, just use a table prefix that differs from the liveboard, and a different cookieprefix.

I have a ton of installs, on unique db's, sharing db's, sharing domains, the works. No issues with it.

Okay but I have searchd this board for the final answer but no answer.
What do I use in the cookie and table prefix for the second board. I can't seem to find a example on what to use.
Not sure what I enter in the two fields.
Cookie prefix
Tablename prefix.
What is the format I use to type in the fields.

Can I enter just "test" on the cookie prefix field?
Can I enter Just "testubb" for Tablename prefix?
Not sure what I enter in the two fields.

put "test" in both

Thanks Gizmo.
I don't know why this bothers me so much. I was just trying to find out if there was a specific format convention to enter.
So I guess I can enter blabla in both if I wanted.

yes

Say, on this subject i did the same thing, two installs with different prefix and cookie etc. in one mysl5 database and did have an issue with the old board skipping over to use the new boards tables even thought the prefixes were quite different. It was crazy weird...but not too consequental as I was done migrating my settins over and closing the old board. Just some weirdness. It suddenly said it had the new prefix for it's tables in the cp. The only thing I did before noticing this change was to use the drop down on the old board to change the skin. It still had the old header html I put in but the new cp settings!