FAQ
Answers about logins after import, re-importing, import order, numbered menu aliases, dry runs and mixing editions.
Will imported users be able to log in?
Yes. Password hashes are preserved, so accounts work with their existing passwords straight away.
What happens if I import the same file twice?
With Overwrite existing off, menu items, articles, contacts and users that are already on the site are skipped and existing categories and user groups are reused; modules already on the site with the same title, type and position are skipped, and other modules are imported as copies. With it on, matching items are updated in place. See Importing data for how items are matched.
Why was a menu item imported as "home-2"?
Joomla requires a menu item alias to be unique at each level across all menus. If another menu item on the site already uses the alias, JoomShift gives the imported item a numbered alias instead of failing. Its children, the modules assigned to it and menu alias items pointing at it all follow it.
Why do I see administrator modules twice after importing modules with 1.0.0?
JoomShift 1.0.0 imported administrator modules as extra copies, so a modules file that included administrator modules added a second admin menu, header and dashboard panels. You do not need to reinstall Joomla. Go to System → Manage → Administrator Modules (on Joomla 3: Extensions → Modules, filter Administrator), and do the same for Site Modules if needed. Sort by ID descending and trash the copies: they have the highest IDs. Then empty the trash. JoomShift 1.1.0 no longer adds administrator modules a site already has. To move modules between sites, export Site modules.
Why are some modules shown on no pages after import?
Their pages were not on the site yet. Import the menus first, then import the modules file again with Overwrite existing ticked. A dry run of the modules file tells you when this applies.
Does a dry run change anything on my site?
No. It runs the import inside a database transaction that is always undone and writes no media files. If a table cannot undo changes (MyISAM), the dry run is refused instead.
Why can't I import a Super User account?
Only a Super User can import accounts with Super User rights or overwrite an existing Super User. Log in as a Super User and import the file again.
Does exporting lock up the site on a large export?
No. Anything over 500 items is split into separate batch downloads.
Can I mix editions during a migration?
Yes. Both editions read and write the same format, so exporting with one and importing with the other is the normal way to move between Joomla 3 and Joomla 4/5/6.
Can I import files made with JoomShift 1.0.0?
Yes. Re-exporting with 1.1.0 gives better results between different sites, because 1.1.0 files also record module page assignments, parent categories and user groups, and menu alias targets.