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.
What an amazing event we had this year, as Microsoft showcased the latest advancements in how AI has the potential to reshape how customers, partners and developers strategize the future of work. Check out below some of our handpicked videos and Ignite announcements to see how Microsoft is driving real change for users and businesses across the globe. Video Highlights Click the image below to check out a selection of Ignite 2023 videos, including the "Microsoft Cloud in the era of AI" keynote from Scott Guthrie, Charles Lamanna, Arun Ulag, Sarah Bird, Rani Borkar, Eric Boyd, Erin Chapple, Ali Ghodsi, and Seth Juarez. There's also a great breakdown of the amazing Microsoft Copilot Studio with Omar Aftab, Gary Pretty, and Kendra Springer, plus exciting sessions from Rajesh Jha, Jared Spataro, Ryan Jones, Zohar Raz, and many more. Blog Announcements Microsoft Copilot presents an opportunity to reimagine the way we work—turning natural language into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet. With AI, organizations can unearth value in data across productivity tools like business applications and Microsoft 365. Click the link below to find out more. Check out the latest features in Microsoft Power Apps that will help developers create AI-infused apps faster, give administrators more control over managing thousands of Microsoft Power Platform makers at scale, and deliver better experiences to users around the world. Click the image below to find out more. Click below to discover new ways to orchestrate business processes across your organization with Copilot in Power Automate. With its user-friendly interface that offers hundreds of prebuilt drag-and-drop actions, more customers have been able to benefit from the power of automation. Discover how Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Dataverse are activating the strength of your enterprise data using AI, the announcement of “plugins for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365”, plus two new Power Apps creator experiences using Excel and natural language. Click below to find out more about the general availability of Microsoft Fabric and the public preview of Copilot in Microsoft Fabric. With the launch of these next-generation analytics tools, you can empower your data teams to easily scale the demand on your growing business. And for the rest of all the good stuff, click the link below to visit the Microsoft Ignite 2023 "Book of News", with over ONE HUNDRED announcements across infrastructure, data, security, new tools, AI, and everything else in-between!
This is the ninth post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! Today's Tip: All About the Galleries Have you checked out the library of content in our galleries? Whether you're looking for the latest info on an upcoming event, a helpful webinar, or tips and tricks from some of our most experienced community members, our galleries are full of the latest and greatest video content for the Power Platform communities. There are several different galleries in each community, but we recommend checking these out first: Community Connections & How-To Videos Hosted by members of the Power Platform Community Engagement Team and featuring community members from around the world, these helpful videos are a great way to "kick the tires" of Power Platform and find out more about your fellow community members! Check them out in Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Copilot Studio! Webinars & Video Gallery Each community has its own unique webinars and videos highlighting some of the great work being done across the Power Platform. Watch tutorials and demos by Microsoft staff, partners, and community gurus! Check them out: Power Apps Webinars & Video Gallery Power Automate Webinars & Video Gallery Power Pages Webinars & Video Gallery Copilot Studio Webinars & Video Gallery Events Whether it's the excitement of the Microsoft Power Platform Conference, a local event near you, or one of the many other in-person and virtual connection opportunities around the world, this is the place to find out more about all the Power Platform-centered events. Power Apps Events Power Automate Events Power Pages Events Copilot Studio Events Unique Galleries to Each Community Because each area of Power Platform has its own unique features and benefits, there are areas of the galleries dedicated specifically to videos about that product. Whether it's Power Apps samples from the community or the Power Automate Cookbook highlighting unique flows, the Bot Sharing Gallery in Copilot Studio or Front-End Code Samples in Power Pages, there's a gallery for you! Check out each community's gallery today! Power Apps Gallery Power Automate Gallery Power Pages Gallery Copilot Studio Gallery
In the bustling world of technology, two dynamic leaders, Geetha Sivasailam and Ben McMann, have been at the forefront, steering the ship of the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group since its inception in February 2019. As Practice Lead (Power Platform | Fusion Dev) at Lantern, Geetha brings a wealth of consulting experience, while Ben, a key member of the Studio Leadership team at Lantern, specializes in crafting strategies that leverage Microsoft digital technologies to transform business models. Empowering Through Community Leadership Geetha and Ben's journey as user group leaders began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a space where individuals across the DFW area could connect, grow their skills, and add value to their businesses through the Power Platform. The platform, known for its versatility, allows users to achieve more with less code and foster creativity. The Power of Community Impact Reflecting on their experiences, Geetha and Ben emphasize the profound impact that community engagement has had on both their professional and personal lives. The Power Platform community, they note, is a wellspring of resources and opportunities, fostering continuous learning, skill enhancement, and networking with industry experts and peers. Favorite Moments and Words of Wisdom The duo's favorite aspect of leading the user group lies in witnessing the transformative projects and innovations community members create with the Power Platform. Their advice to aspiring user group leaders? "Encourage diverse perspectives, maintain an open space for idea-sharing, stay curious, and, most importantly, have fun building a vibrant community." Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers Geetha and Ben encourage others to step into the realm of user group leadership, citing the rewarding experience of creating and nurturing a community of like-minded individuals. They highlight the chance to influence, impact, and positively guide others, fostering connections that extend beyond mere technology discussions. Joining a User Group: A Gateway to Growth The leaders stress the importance of joining a user group, emphasizing exposure to diverse perspectives, solutions, and career growth opportunities within the Power Platform community. "Being part of such a group provides a supportive environment for seeking advice, sharing experiences, and navigating challenges." A Year of Milestones Looking back at the past year, Geetha and Ben express pride in the group's growth and global participation. They recount the enriching experience of meeting members in person at the Microsoft Power Platform conference, showcasing the diverse range of perspectives and guest speakers that enriched the community's overall experience. Continuous Learning on the Leadership Journey As user group leaders, Geetha and Ben recognize the continuous learning curve, blending interpersonal skills, adaptability, and dedication to foster a vibrant community. They highlight the importance of patience, persistence, and flexibility in achieving group goals, noting the significance of listening to the needs and suggestions of group members.They invite all tech enthusiasts to join the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group, a thriving hub where the power of community propels individuals to new heights in the dynamic realm of technology.
Are you attending Microsoft Ignite in Seattle this week? If so, we'd love to see you at the Community Lounge! Hosted by members of our Community team, it's a great place to connect, meet some Microsoft executives, and get a sticker or two. And if you're an MVP there are some special opportunities to meet up! The Community Lounge is more than just a space—it's a hub of activity, collaboration, and camaraderie. So, dive in, explore, and make the most of your Microsoft Ignite experience by immersing yourself in the vibrant and dynamic community that awaits you.Find out the schedule and all the details here: Community Lounge at Ignite! See you at #MSIgnite!
This is the eighth post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! This Week: All About Subscriptions & Notifications Subscribing to a CategorySubscribing to a TopicSubscribing to a LabelBookmarksManaging & Viewing your Subscriptions & BookmarksA Note on Following Friends on Mobile Subscriptions ensure that you receive automated messages about the most recent posts and replies. There are multiple ways you can subscribe to content and boards in the community! (Please note: if you have created an AAD (Azure Active Directory) account you won't be able to receive e-mail notifications.) Subscribing to a Category When you're looking at the entire category, select from the Options drop down and choose Subscribe. You can then choose to Subscribe to all of the boards or select only the boards you want to receive notifications. When you're satisfied with your choices, click Save. Subscribing to a Topic You can also subscribe to a single topic by clicking Subscribe from the Options drop down menu, while you are viewing the topic or in the General board overview, respectively. Subscribing to a Label You can find the labels at the bottom left of a post.From a particular post with a label, click on the label to filter by that label. This opens a window containing a list of posts with the label you have selected. Click Subscribe. Note: You can only subscribe to a label at the board level. If you subscribe to a label named 'Copilot' at board #1, it will not automatically subscribe you to an identically named label at board #2. You will have to subscribe twice, once at each board. Bookmarks Just like you can subscribe to topics and categories, you can also bookmark topics and boards from the same menus! Simply go to the Topic Options drop down menu to bookmark a topic or the Options drop down to bookmark a board. The difference between subscribing and bookmarking is that subscriptions provide you with notifications, whereas bookmarks provide you a static way of easily accessing your favorite boards from the My subscriptions area. Managing & Viewing Your Subscriptions & Bookmarks To manage your subscriptions, click on your avatar and select My subscriptions from the drop-down menu. From the Subscriptions & Notifications tab, you can manage your subscriptions, including your e-mail subscription options, your bookmarks, your notification settings, and your email notification format. You can see a list of all your subscriptions and bookmarks and choose which ones to delete, either individually or in bulk, by checking multiple boxes. A Note on Following Friends on Mobile Adding someone as a friend or selecting Follow in the mobile view does not allow you to subscribe to their activity feed. You will merely be able to see your friends’ biography, other personal information, or online status, and send messages more quickly by choosing who to send the message to from a list, as opposed to having to search by username.
This is the seventh post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! Today's Tip: Resources for User Groups Once you've launched your Community User Group, we are excited to have many resources available that can help you lead, engage, and grow your User Group! Whether it's access to the Microsoft Community Tenant for User Groups, help with finding speakers for your User Group meetings (both local and virtual speakers), and even finding spaces to have your meetings in--we have the resources you need to make your User Group experience be the best it can be! Microsoft Community Tenant Community Tenant is a free platform where User Group leaders can host virtual events using the Microsoft Teams platform, engage with their communities, share resources, collaborate with fellow organizers, and gain access to best practices and resources. Find out everything you need to know--and how to get started! Just follow the link: Accessing the Microsoft Community Tenant - Power Platform CommunityNeed Help Finding a Speaker or a Space?We happily provide assistance to our User Groups in finding speakers and rooms for your meetings. Simply fill out the request forms below with as much detail and information as possible, and we will do our best to provide you with the assistance you need! Speaker Requests: https://aka.ms/UGSpeakerOptionsRoom Requests: https://aka.ms/UGroomrequest Monthly Featured User Group--And User Group Leader We share a featured User Group AND a featured User Group leader here in the community every month. It's our way of sharing how excited we are for what the User Groups are doing around the world and an appreciation for the hard-working leaders who help make them happen. Nominate a User Group doing great work--or a great User Group leader--today! Nomination Form: https://aka.ms/NominateandshareUG