To modernize and stabilize the client’s entire server and web stack, which had been running on outdated, unsupported software and infrastructure. The goal was to improve performance, enhance security, and lay the foundation for long-term maintainability.

End-of-life operating system with critical security vulnerabilities

Legacy versions of XenForo, plugins, and a custom theme

Poor server performance and multiple long-standing backend issues

No modern control panel or structured backup/security setup

Migrated the entire stack to a new server running a modern, actively maintained Linux distribution

Hardened the environment with updated security practices (firewall, SSH, SSL, etc.)

Installed and configured the latest version of Plesk

Customized settings for performance, security, and future scalability

Set up automated backups, DNS management, and SSL certificates across services

Upgraded XenForo from a legacy version to the latest stable release

Audited and updated a large number of third-party add-ons for compatibility

Migrated the custom forum theme and refactored deprecated elements for full compatibility

Fixed multiple issues related to outdated PHP versions and broken plugin logic

Tuned PHP-FPM, MySQL, and caching systems for improved performance

Resolved several backend bugs that had persisted due to outdated infrastructure

Improved load handling and reduced average response time across the board

Ensured high availability throughout the migration and upgrade process

Applied zero-downtime strategies for updates and DNS switching

Fully modernized and secure server environment

Stable, up-to-date XenForo platform with all critical add-ons functioning

Noticeable performance improvements and faster page loads

Easier maintenance and future-proofing via Plesk

A seamless transition that preserved the community’s continuity and user experience