Can't see my store data after restoring database

[cardioforce]

I am trying to upgrade from 1.38a to 1.5. I have followed the instructions closely believe, but may be missing a step that is causing the issue I am facing. I have used GoDaddy's Backup and Restore tools and have also tried backing up and restoring via phpMyAdmin, but the database never restores. I don't get any errors, its just that my existing store data never transfers. After I do the backup/restore I go to my new store install and see all the demo products/categories and also visiting my admin console I do not see any of my customers, orders, or any other historical data from my existing 1.38a store.

Completely lost I then reran the zc_install and chose the database upgrade. I went from 1.38 to 1.39, then from 1.39 to 1.5. Same affect or rather no effect - the data is still all demo and no customer, order or any other data in the admin area from my 1.38a store.

I am totally stumped at this point and hate to post for help because I am probably missing something so obvious to seasoned upgraders and zen gurus. Anyway if someone out there has any ideas what I could be doing wrong I would greatly appreciate it. Truthfully I was happy with 1.38 and would have stayed with it a little longer but when the USPS changed their API's I decided now is the time...

[DrByte]

In your old store's /includes/configure.php file there's a DB_PREFIX setting.
Compare that with your new store's same setting.
You won't see the old store's data if your new store's DB_PREFIX isn't the same as the old one.

The DB_PREFIX denotes a prefix of letter that is pre-pended to the (beginning of) the database tablenames.
You can probably see for yourself that if you go into the database via phpMyAdmin you'll have two sets of tables: one with the prefix used by your old site (often "zen_") and another set with either no prefix or some other prefix. Updating your new configure.php file's DB_PREFIX to match the tables you're importing is the solution to your dilemma.

It's also explained here: https://www.zen-cart.com/tutorials/i...hp?article=100

[cardioforce]

That's the best answer I think I have ever received to a forum post question. You nailed it. DrByte you are a true ZenCart ninja! Thank you!