Moving hosts while upgrading from v1.3.8a to v1.5.4

I know that moving severs is not recommended while upgrading but given the fact that there is no "bridge" PHP version between the two versions, we have no choice but to attempt it (or do we?).

What would be the recommended course of action for this upgrade? New server is with the same host so we'll have better coordination for this migration than would have been with a different host. We also have at least 4 IPs available to us and the Zen Cart site's IP is exclusive to that site. We have basically unlimited time to attempt the move, even if we have t pay for double hosting fee, so that's not a huge issue.

My current thought is: build new site with desired modifications on new server and test. When everything is working as expected, test-import 138a database to 154 to anticipate any problems and ensure everything works. When wipe the database clean on new server - to fresh install state (how?).

When the move day comes, migrate IP to new server and import up-to-date database to new server.

Will the above plan work and if so can it be improved? Should we be anticipating any problems with the above?

Thanks!

When wipe the database clean on new server - to fresh install state (how?).
Do not understand this??

Your plan seems sound

kobra:

Do not understand this??

Your plan seems sound

Sorry, a typo. Meant to say: " 'THEN' wipe the database clean on new server - to fresh install state (how?)".
As far as the "how" part, after writing this, I read this tutorial. section 5 seems to be a good way to do this:

5. Go back to phpMyAdmin on your NEW server.
   a. Select your NEW database (that you installed the NEW Zen Cart into)
   b. DROP all the tables. (Check them all and scroll down and on "With Selected..." select DROP. Confirm Yes."

And then read about importing database from old to new in this forum post:

Do a COMPLETE backup, and import the COMPLETE database, and upgrade the COMPLETE database using zc_install.

Does this also sound reasonable?

Does this also sound reasonable?
Completely as long as you adhere to all of the steps in tutorials