I am new with portals, I created a website last week for a client and its live now. They now require further page updates and content updates, in order to do this I need a testing environment (since I cant risk breaking the live site). So I need to pretty much make an exact replica of the live site which is in a production environment. I found this https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/maker/portals/admin/migrate-portal-configuration and had thought this was the solution, I followed the steps and the result was the starter basic portal that is created from a blank portal with the 3 tabs from my original portal that do nothing.
I placed a ticket with Microsoft support about this and the service personnel I got said that the migration does not seem to be the solution for what I am trying to achieve (creating the exact replica of the portal).
From everything I have seen here it seems that they are incorrect. I did further research and I found that XrmToolBox can achieve what I am trying to get done...which is an exact copy of my live portal website for testing purposes.
My question is:
1) Is the Microsoft personnel I got incorrect about this?
2) If he is incorrect, which will be easier for a noob like me to use, XrmToolBox or Configuration Migration tool?
Hi, so first thing here is to make sure you have provisioned the same Portal type in your test environment (I believe you already did this).
Now you need to migrate data, in your case from LIVE to TEST.
Microsoft's official method would be using the Configuration Migration as you pointed out the link.. I personally like to use XrmToolBox / Portal Records Mover, with that tool you can export/import or transfer the Portal data. You can also select which tables/records will be moved across.
Please see if this video helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oANcwG0nLU8
this might be referring to an older version of the tool, but should still be a good starting point
Power Pages Super User | MVP
Would recommend you have a Dev, Test, and Prod environment (even if you do Test as a Trial), that way you can test the actual move of Solution Files and the Portal, before just dumping them into Prod.
Depending on exactly what you need to do, if you need to 'clone' Prod you can do that (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/copy-environment), and then point a new Portal at the cloned instance. The alternate method is to move solution files and other config data, and then copy the Portal using the Configuration Migration Tool (or XrmToolBox).
If you are doing a manual setup it is important that the type of Portal you install is the same as what you have in Prod.
(also, if you clone, make sure you don't have things like Pending emails, or Plugins etc that point to Production Web Services etc in your Test - because if everything is hooked up the emails etc will send and look like they came from Prod)
Thank you for the information, I used the XrmToolBox. First I tested by migrating a trial portal to a testing environment and it worked perfectly, the trial portal I migrated is very similar to the live portal I intended to migrate.
Then I created a new sandbox environment and migrated the live portal but I did not get the same results at all. below is what I got instead
I had removed the navigation bar from my live portal but the migration placed it back and with no content. the highlighted are the pages from my live portal. None of these tabs have any functionality. Below is the edit of the portal:
I followed and disabled the extra default publishing states and no change. I do not understand why my test run of migrating a trial portal worked but not the migration of my live portal which is in a production environment, that is the only difference. I will try again, maybe I missed something.
@Fubar What do you mean by the type of portal I install is the same as what I have in production? The only way I have built a portal is by "Portal from blank" is that what you mean? Thank you.
.
Yes, both blank or both Customer Self-Service etc
You sometimes get the double Home etc when you have multiple types of Portal in your environment, and you get the menu items from the different types of portal onto the Primary navigation Web Link Set. Or you have somehow ended up with the Guid's being different of the duplicated items.
The last time I looked at Publishing States they were't really working.
When you install the Portal into your Environment (Test) before migrating/copying the portal it will give you a blank portal with all the default setup - Primary navigation etc - the copying of the Portal from one environment to another does not delete or remove stuff that is in the Target environment - it does an Upsert - what this means is that if you removed out of the box items from the source you also have to remove them from the target. This is similar to what happens with Solution Files for moving Tables and Columns etc etc so we are probably used to this type of thing occurring.
I use the Data Migration Tool and not XrmToolBox (but I have a colleague who prefers XrmToolBox). One difference between the 2 is that the Data Migration Tool moves everything (unless you have changed the Schema file) but XrmToolBox allows you to move smaller elements (it is possible that you haven't selected the correct options in XrmToolBox - but I am not sure).
Personally, I would be using the Portal Management App to see what was wrong rather then the new editor interface - e.g. do the Web Pages exist are they linked correctly to navigation etc but I probably have more of an idea about when something looks wrong in the config.
I think I figured out why my migration did not work. My portal in my production environment is not a trial (production). My portal in my Sandbox environment is a trial. The use of "production with environments and portals confused me. the Image below is the status of both my portals. The first "test copy" is my sandbox environment where I was trying to migrate my live portal into. The second if my portal in my Production environment which is live. From my understanding they should both be in "production"?
Hi, when we say Portal Type we mean if it's starter portal / customer self-service etc, I think you answered that you provisioned both as Starter Portal.
The Portal type set to Prod / Trial / Sandbox / etc shouldn't really matter
Would you be able to check if the Website GUIDs are the same? You can check that in a few ways:
Power Pages Super User | MVP
@Fubar "the copying of the Portal from one environment to another does not delete or remove stuff that is in the Target environment - it does an Upsert - what this means is that if you removed out of the box items from the source you also have to remove them from the target." - This is what happened when I did a test migration from another environment with a trial portal to the destination sandbox environment. In the source portal I had removed out of the box navigation default settings and when the migration was completed, everything I had removed from the source portal was not in the target portal, was an exact copy. @OliverRodrigues I am trying a fresh migration again carefully and will look into that if I get the same errors. Thank you all for the input I really appreciate it all.
@OliverRodrigues I downloaded the excel and in section A (GUID records) are different from the target portal and the source portal. How can I make sure they are the same? Thanks.
I was able to make a successful migration. I had placed a ticket and interesting enough, the documentation was missing 1 step. What I had to do was make a copy of the source environment and copy it into the new target environment. After that, it was all working perfectly. The Microsoft service was very knowledgeable and I think something should be done about the fact that the documentation is not updated.
Are you attending the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023 in Las Vegas? If so, we invite you to join us for the MPPC's Got Power Talent Show! Our talent show is more than a show—it's a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Through stories, skills, and collective experiences, we come together to uplift, inspire, and revel in the magic of our community's diverse talents. This year, our talent event promises to be an unforgettable experience, echoing louder and brighter than anything you've seen before. We're casting a wider net with three captivating categories: Demo Technical Solutions: Show us your Power Platform innovations, be it apps, flows, chatbots, websites or dashboards... Storytelling: Share tales of your journey with Power Platform. Hidden Talents: Unveil your creative side—be it dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, or comedy. Let your talent shine! Got That Special Spark? A Story That Demands to Be Heard? Your moment is now! Sign up to Showcase Your Brilliance: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp Deadline for submissions: Thursday, Sept 28th How It Works: Submit this form to sign up: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp We'll contact you if you're selected. Get ready to be onstage! The Spotlight is Yours: Each participant has 3-5 minutes to shine, with insightful commentary from our panel of judges. We’re not just giving you a stage; we’re handing you the platform to make your mark. Be the Story We Tell: Your talents and narratives will not just entertain but inspire, serving as the bedrock for our community’s future stories and successes. Celebration, Surprises, and Connections: As the curtain falls, the excitement continues! Await surprise awards and seize the chance to mingle with industry experts, Microsoft Power Platform leaders, and community luminaries. It's not just a show; it's an opportunity to forge connections and celebrate shared successes. Event Details: Date and Time: Wed Oct 4th, 6:30-9:00PM Location: MPPC23 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, USA
The Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is a community-driven initiative that started in September 2022. It has quickly earned recognition for its enthusiastic leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. With a focus on promoting learning and networking among professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem, the group has grown steadily and gained a reputation for its commitment to its members! The group, which had its inaugural event in January 2023 at the Microsoft UK Headquarters in Reading, has since organized three successful gatherings, including a recent social lunch. They maintain a regular schedule of four events per year, each attended by an average of 20-25 enthusiastic participants who enjoy engaging talks and, of course, pizza. The Reading User Group's presence is primarily spread through LinkedIn and Meetup, with the support of the wider community. This thriving community is managed by a dedicated team consisting of Fraser Dear, Tim Leung, and Andrew Bibby, who serves as the main point of contact for the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups. Andrew Bibby, an active figure in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, nominated this group due to his admiration for the Reading UK User Group's efforts. He emphasized their remarkable enthusiasm and success in running the group, noting that they navigated challenges such as finding venues with resilience and smiles on their faces. Despite being a relatively new group with 20-30 members, they have managed to achieve high attendance at their meetings. The group's journey began when Fraser Dear moved to the Reading area and realized the absence of a user group catering to professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space. He reached out to Andrew, who provided valuable guidance and support, allowing the Reading User Group to officially join the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups community. One of the group's notable achievements was overcoming the challenge of finding a suitable venue. Initially, their "home" was the Microsoft UK HQ in Reading. However, due to office closures, they had to seek a new location with limited time. Fortunately, a connection with Stephanie Stacey from Microsoft led them to Reading College and its Institute of Technology. The college generously offered them event space and support, forging a mutually beneficial partnership where the group promotes the Institute and encourages its members to support the next generation of IT professionals. With the dedication of its leadership team, the Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is poised to continue growing and thriving! Their story exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive impact they can have on professional development and networking in the tech industry. As they move forward with their upcoming events and collaborations with Reading College, the group is likely to remain a valuable resource for professionals in the Reading area and beyond.
As the sun sets on the #SummerofSolutions Challenge, it's time to reflect and celebrate! The journey we embarked upon together was not just about providing answers – it was about fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and unlocking the true potential of the Power Platform tools. From the initial announcement to the final week's push, the Summer of Solutions Challenge has been a whirlwind of engagement and growth. It was a call to action for every member of our Power Platform community, urging them to contribute their expertise, engage in discussions, and elevate collective knowledge across the community as part of the low-code revolution. Reflecting on the Impact As the challenge ends, it's essential to reflect on the impact it’s had across our Power Platform communities: Community Resilience: The challenge demonstrated the resilience of our community. Despite geographical distances and diverse backgrounds, we came together to contribute, learn, and collaborate. This resilience is the cornerstone of our collective strength.Diverse Expertise: The solutions shared during the challenge underscore the incredible expertise within our community. From intricate technical insights to creative problem-solving, our members showcased their diverse skill sets, enhancing our community's depth.Shared Learning: Solutions spurred shared learning. They provided opportunities for members to grasp new concepts, expand their horizons, and uncover the Power Platform tools' untapped potential. This learning ripple effect will continue to shape our growth. Empowerment: Solutions empowered community members. They validated their knowledge, boosted their confidence, and highlighted their contributions. Each solution shared was a step towards personal and communal empowerment. We are proud and thankful as we conclude the Summer of Solutions Challenge. The challenge showed the potential of teamwork, the benefit of knowledge-sharing, and the resilience of our Power Platform community. The solutions offered by each member are more than just answers; they are the expression of our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and progress! Drum roll, Please... And now, without further ado, it's time to announce the winners who have risen above the rest in the Summer of Solutions Challenge! These are the top community users and Super Users who have not only earned recognition but have become beacons of inspiration for us all. Power Apps Community: Community User Winner: @SpongYe Super User Winner: Pending Acceptance Power Automate Community: Community User Winner: @trice602 Super User Winner: @Expiscornovus Power Virtual Agents Community: Community User Winner: Pending AcceptanceSuper User: Pending Acceptance Power Pages Community: Community User Winner: @OOlashyn Super User Winner: @ChristianAbata We are also pleased to announced two additional tickets that we are awarding to the Overall Top Solution providers in the following communities: Power Apps: @LaurensM Power Automate: @ManishSolanki Thank you for making this challenge a resounding success. Your participation has reaffirmed the strength of our community and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Let's keep the spirit of collaboration alive as we continue on this incredible journey in Power Platform together.Winners, we will see you in Vegas! Every other amazing solutions superstar, we will see you in the Community!Congratulations, everyone!
Ayonija Shatakshi, a seasoned senior consultant at Improving, Ohio,is a passionate advocate for M365, SharePoint, Power Platform, and Azure, recognizing how they synergize to deliver top-notch solutions. Recently, we asked Ayonija to share her journey as a user group leader, shedding light on her motivations and the benefits she's reaped from her community involvement. Ayonija embarked on her role as a user group leader in December 2022, driven by a desire to explore how the community leveraged various Power Platform components. When she couldn't find a suitable local group, she decided to create one herself! Speaking about the impact of the community on her professional and personal growth, Ayonija says, "It's fascinating to witness how everyone navigates the world of Power Platform, dealing with license constraints and keeping up with new features. There's so much to learn from their experiences. Her favorite aspect of being a user group leader is the opportunity to network and engage in face-to-face discussions with fellow enthusiasts, fostering deeper connections within the community. Offering advice to budding user group leaders, Ayonija emphasized the importance of communication and consistency, two pillars that sustain any successful community initiative. When asked why she encourages others to become user group leaders, Ayonija said, "Being part of a user group is one of the best ways to connect with experienced professionals in the same field and glean knowledge from them. If there isn't a local group, consider starting one; you'll soon find like-minded individuals." Her highlight from the past year as a user group leader was witnessing consistent growth within the group, a testament to the thriving community she has nurtured. Advocating for user group participation, Ayonija stated, "It's the fastest route to learning from the community, gaining insights, and staying updated on industry trends." Check out her group: Cleveland Power Platform User Group
We are excited to announce a new preview feature: Copilot in Power Pages for Visual Studio Code desktop. This feature provides you with coding assistance while you edit your site code in Visual Studio Code desktop using natural language chat interaction. You can use Copilot in Power Pages to describe your expected code behavior and get AI-generated code snippets that you can refine and use for various aspects of your site development. Note: To use this feature, you need to sign into your environment, and it is only available in the US region in English language. Feature capabilities With Copilot, you can get coding assistance for: Form and List customization: allow custom validation for forms and add interactive experience to form and list using JavaScript.Webpage customizations: generate HTML components and add styles to your pages.Web Template: generate HTML templates.Liquid: generate liquid code to add dynamic content in Webpages or Web Templates.FetchXML: Get help with writing FetchXML to query data from Dataverse.Web API: Generate code for Power Pages Web APIs to Create/Read/Update/Delete Dataverse records.Content Snippets: Get help with writing reusable content blocks across multiple pages.Provide feedback:Use feedback option to share your input and suggestions. 1. Form and List customization Form and List customization is a feature that allows you to customize the appearance and behavior of your forms and lists on your site pages. You can use Form and List customization to change the layout, style, validation, and actions of your Forms and Lists. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for adding custom validation and interactivity to your Forms and Lists in your site code. Sample prompt for form validation Generate JavaScript code for form field validation to ensure age is greater than 18. Sample prompt for list customization Write JavaScript code to highlight the row where loan status is approved in table list. To learn more about Form and List customization, visit form link and list link. 2. Webpage customizations Webpage customizations is a feature that allows you to customize various aspects of your webpages such as HTML components, styles, and more. You can use Webpage customizations to enhance the look and feel of your site pages. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for generating HTML components and adding styles to your pages in your site code. Sample prompt Write HTML code for the webpage to show loan registration form FAQ as a list group. To learn more about Webpage customizations, visit this link. 3. Web Template Web Template is a feature that allows you to create HTML templates for your site pages. You can use Web Template to define the layout, style, and content of your pages. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for creating and using Web Templates in your site code. Sample prompt Create a web template with breadcrumb and page title. To learn more about Web Template, visit this link. 4. Liquid Liquid is a feature that allows you to add dynamic content to your Webpages or Web Templates. You can use Liquid to access data from Dataverse or other sources and display it on your pages. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for writing Liquid expressions in your site code. Sample prompt Generate liquid code to check if user has admin role. To learn more about Liquid, visit this link. 5. FetchXML FetchXML is a feature that allows you to query data from Dataverse using XML syntax. You can use FetchXML to filter, sort, aggregate, or join data from different entities. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for writing FetchXML queries in your site code. Sample prompt Generate a fetchxml liquid query to retrieve the list of contacts who are having credit score more than 500 and are active. To learn more about FetchXML, visit this link. 6. Web API Web API is a feature that allows you to interact with Dataverse records using HTTP requests. You can use Web API to create, read, update, or delete records from different entities. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for writing Web API requests in your site code. Sample prompt Generate Web API code to query active contact records. To learn more about Web API, visit this link. 7. Content Snippets Content Snippets is a feature that allows you to write reusable content blocks that can be used across multiple pages. You can use Content Snippets to store common HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code that you want to reuse on different pages. With Copilot, you can chat with the AI assistant and get code snippets for creating and using Content Snippets in your site code. Sample prompt Generate content snippets to display copyright, current date and "All rights reserved." message. To learn more about Content Snippets, visit this link. 8. Provide feedback In every response of the Copilot chat, select the feedback options, a thumb up () if you like the response or thumb down () if you didn’t like it. Your feedback greatly helps improve the capabilities of this feature. How to use Copilot Install Power Platform Extension: Ensure you have the Power Platform Tools extension (version 2.0.3 or higher) installed within Visual Studio Code .Access Copilot: Download and open your Power Pages site root folder in Visual Studio Code and activate the Copilot feature from left navigation by selecting “Power Platform”.Engage in Natural Language Interaction: Describe the expected behavior of your code using natural language. Copilot will generate code snippets based on your descriptions.Insert or copy AI generated code to your site: If you are happy with the generated code, you can easily copy and paste the code snippet or insert the code to Power Pages site.Refine and Implement: Review the AI-generated code snippets, refining them as needed to match your exact requirements.Provide feedback: Select the feedback options, a thumb up ( ) if you like the response or thumb down () if you didn’t like it and provide your feedback. We are looking forward to your feedback Copilot in Power Pages is designed to streamline your coding journey and amplify your creativity. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of this feature. We want to hear from you! See documentation here for a detailed overview. Full product blog here: Get coding assistance with Copilot while editing site code in Visual Studio Code desktop| Microsoft Power Page Thank you, Neeraj Nandwana
Hear from Corporate Vice President for Microsoft Business Applications & Platform, Charles Lamanna, as he looks ahead to the second annual Microsoft Power Platform Conference from October 3rd-5th 2023 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.Have you got your tickets yet? Register today at www.powerplatformconf.com