This is a list of recommendations for following when moving from Event Espresso 4 back to Event Espresso 3.
This process is equivalent to starting new as in installing Event Espresso 3 for the first time.
This is because the codebase is different for both versions and data is stored in different database tables. Event Espresso 3 stores information in dbprefix_events_ (e.g. wp_events_). Event Espresso 4 stores information in dbprefix_esp_ (e.g. wp_esp_).
Another way to explain the information above is that there isn't an automatic way to migrate your information from Event Espresso 4 back to Event Espresso 3.
Part 1 - Copy out new information from Event Espresso 4
The best case scenario would be to restore you site from a backup and reinstall Event Espresso 3.
If you do not have a database backup, then continue through the steps below:
1a) Backup your WordPress site.
1b) Copy and paste any existing event information through the event editor into a plain text document. Examples of information would be the event title, event description, etc. Also capture screenshots.
1c) You can then export a list of current registrants by going to Event Espresso --> Events. Then hover over the name of the event and click on Registrations. The next page will show you a page of registrations for this specific event.
1d) Also, copy out or capture screenshots of any additional information in Event Espresso 4 that you may need.
Part 2 - Deactivate and remove Event Espresso 4 and related software
Go to WP-admin --> Plugins. Then locate Event Espresso 4 in the list of plugins. Deactivate Event Espresso 4 and then delete it from your WordPress site. Repeat this process for any add-ons for Event Espresso 4 that may be installed.
Part 3 - Download the current software for Event Espresso 3 from your Event Espresso account
Go to your Event Espresso account page. You can reach this page by logging into your Event Espresso account through this link:
https://eventespresso.com/wp-login.php
There are two locations to download software from your Event Espresso account. You can download the software for Event Espresso 3 from the top of the page or scroll down to the downloads list. Click on the core Event Espresso 3 software. This will download a zip file. Repeat this process for any add-ons that you may want to use for Event Espresso 3.
Part 4 - Install and activate the current software for Event Espresso 3
Return to your WordPress dashboard (WP-admin). Then go to Plugins. At the top of the page, you'll see a button for Add New. Click on it, then click on Upload on the next page. Browse to the Event Espresso 3 zip file that you downloaded in part 3. Then begin the upload and activate it. Repeat these steps to install additional zip files that you may have downloaded.
At this point, your site should be running Event Espresso 3.
Part 5 - Restore the shortcodes for Event Espresso 3's pages
There are four WordPress pages that Event Espresso 3 uses to process registrations correctly. They each have a unique shortcode. Each page must have the correct shortcode and should be have a status of published.
Go to Event Espresso --> General Settings --> Page Settings.
Ensure that each page is set correctly and that the correct shortcode is set. Be sure to save changes.
Part 6 - Restore your information from Event Espresso 4 into Event Espresso 3
Now you can begin restoring your information that you saved in part 1. Events that existed in Event Espresso 4 will need to be created as new. Then attendees can be added by going to Event Espresso --> Events Overview. Then hover over the name of the event and click on attendees. On the next page, you'll see a button for Add New Registration. Click on it and finish the registration.
Another option is to use the attendee batch import add-on which is available from the pre-release channel:
http://eventespresso.com/wiki/attendee-batch-import-add-on/
Other notes
You may need to request a support license key release. This can be done via your Event Espresso account page.
If you have any questions or are unsure about something, then be sure to create a support post in our support forums:
References:
http://eventespresso.com/wiki/updating-event-espresso/#ee4