# Fresh install, where do I start? (+ restore + theme)

**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/fresh-install-where-do-i-start-restore-theme/388606
**Category:** Support
**Created:** [November 16, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/fresh-install-where-do-i-start-restore-theme/388606 "2025-11-16T17:54:58Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Showing post:** 2

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### Author: ![jahan\_gagan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/jahan_gagan/32/501948_2.png) [@jahan\_gagan](https://meta.discourse.org/u/jahan_gagan)
#### Post date: [November 16, 2025, 8:07pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/fresh-install-where-do-i-start-restore-theme/388606/2 "2025-11-16T20:07:44Z")

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Discourse backups are normally `.tar.gz` files that include the database, uploads, and metadata. An SQL dump plus `.mnu`/`.des` files don’t match the official Discourse backup format, so they can’t be restored through the standard admin restore workflow. If you still have access to the old trial instance, check for the proper `.tar.gz` backup.

For choosing a theme: the easiest way to get a feel for what’s available is to browse the curated themes on Meta. Most entries include screenshots, demos, and feature notes, which makes comparison a lot clearer than viewing them in Theme Creator alone.

👉 Full index of essential guides

> [@Site Management Index](https://meta.discourse.org/t/site-management-index/308032):
>
> Documentation covering the configuration, setup, and ongoing management of Discourse - useful for site owners and administrators. Users User statuses: [Understanding user statuses, roles, and permissions](https://meta.discourse.org/t/understanding-user-statuses-roles-and-permissions/35171?silent=true) Configure invites: [Configuring how users can create and send invites for others to join your community](https://meta.discourse.org/t/configure-how-users-can-create-and-send-invites-for-others-to-join-your-community/124096?silent=true) Change user’s email: [Changing a user's email address when they can't access their account](https://meta.discourse.org/t/change-a-users-email-when-they-cant-access-the-email-account-and-forgot-password/56322?silent=true) Sign-up flow: [Configuring and managing the sign-up flow with user approval](https://meta.discourse.org/t/sign-up-flow-when-must-approve-users-is-configured/112128?silent=true) Merge accounts: [Merging use…](https://meta.discourse.org/t/merge-user-accounts/275288?silent=true)

👉 Explore available themes

> **[Theme](https://meta.discourse.org/c/customization/theme/61)**
>
> Themes are expansive customizations that change multiple elements of the style of your forum design, and often also include additional front-end features.

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_[View the full topic](https://meta.discourse.org/t/fresh-install-where-do-i-start-restore-theme/388606)._