First of, forgive me if I've stated this in this thread already (I know I've said it a few times at these forums).

The database that was used when the site was at MGH is gone. Corrupted or damaged beyond repair (to the best of my knowledge and memory).

The database that is used now that the forums are using vBulletin software is in fact intact. It HAS to be in order for the chats to be working as they are. HOWEVER this doesn't mean that it's in order still. There is a chance that the crash jumbled up the information, fixing that will take some time.

I can state with 98.6% certainy the database is intact and restorable to either the day before (maybe the week before) the crash. Since I don't have access to the database I can't say I'm 100% certain.

The mirror server idea is something I think should be implemented asap for 2 reasons.

#1 if the main server crashes the data won't be lost. There may be a day (or a week...it depends on a number of things) of missing posts...but not a complete loss

#2 the mirror server can be used to archive old posts which will help keep the main server quick and stable.

The problem arises as to wether or not Mr. Lester wants to trust the information to a "server farm" or to another person (or group of people) with a single dedicated server.