kryptos
Use the correct supported procedure.
Do a full backup, using the console backup menu to external USB drive.
Install the new sme8.0 OS onto the new hardware.
On first boot you will be asked if you want to restore from USB, accept that.
Install sme8 compatible versions of contribs, note that all contrib data & settings will have been restored from backup.
The Backup & Restore process will transfer all users, passwords, configuration, ibays, user & shared data, mysql databases & custom templates (& /opt if you include it in the backup job settings refer
http://wiki.contribs.org/Backup_with_dar).
The server will be a replica of the old one except it will have the new OS & new versions of contribs.
There are variations to this approach, you can use the server manager backup to workstation (to local USB drive), & then use server manager to restore on the new server.
You can also use Affa.
Note that all these methods require the reinstallation of contribs.
Refer to this Howto for further general information.
http://wiki.contribs.org/Backup_server_configparticularly this section
http://wiki.contribs.org/Backup_server_config#Backup_and_Restore_concepts.2C_issues_and_other_informationThere is another approach where you can save backup time, using the Restore from disk method, see
http://wiki.contribs.org/UpgradeDiskJust make sure you run the required commands on the old functioning server BEFORE you disconnect the drive & connect it to the new server (these steps are critically important & cannot be overlooked).
It works going from sme7 to sme8, refer wiki article.