Unlike the jump from 1.x to 2.x, you can go from 2.x to 3.x using the installer (ie. a new separate 3.x installation isn't required), so the import isn't required. However, for the purpose of the beta, since you shouldn't be upgrading your existing live sites, we would recommend that you make a copy of your existing installation and upgrade it if you want to test it with your working data. Unfortunately, it is somewhat complicated to make a duplicate of your install. I'll outline what needs to happen here:

1. Perform a database dump of your existing installation (eg. mysqldump).


2. If you're going to use the same database for the beta as your live install, then you need to modify your database dump to change the prefix of all the table names to something else (eg. lsql_ to glinksbeta_). If you're using a different database, then you shouldn't need to change the dump.


3. Install the same version of Links SQL (as the one you just dumped) to a different location.


4. Restore the dump you made in the first step.


5. Update your configuration or copy over your admin/Config/Data.pm and update the paths.


6. If you have customised your templates, copy them over to the new installation (and wish to test them).


7. Upgrade that installation to the Gossamer Links beta.

I would only recommend doing this if you have enough knowledge about the using mysql and such (making dumps and restoring using mysqldump, editing the dumps, etc).

Adrian