How can you compile a single exportable package that contains numerous lists and libraries for a sub site that you wish to select? Maybe it’s a basic export and you’re not keen to go down the road to create a feature/s.
Well, you could use the backup and restore function of SharePoint. That will work if you taking across an entire web application.
What about a single site? Then you could use the export and import operations found in the STSADM. That will create an object export of your site. However, it will contain a copy of every item. You’ll also need to restore it to a blank site.
Creating an STP, Site Template or staple, would take across the entire site as a reusable template. Not really what I’m looking for.
Using Content Deployment is not a bad idea but if you’re on separate domains or need to email a package it’s going to be painful and what’s the point if you need a deployable object (even though Content Deployment feature will create a deployable package during the job run).
I simply need to get a few libraries and lists and a content type from one server to another. Now I was wishing I had created a feature of this but it would’ve taken some time.
So I came across a feature in an application I sometimes neglect or discredit – The SharePoint Designer –and it really made its name this time. It has a function that allows you to export your site as a Personal Web Package.
I can then select the files/objects found in my site and add them to my Web Package. When you save your File Web Package you get a simple.fwp file. Nice!
This now allows us to Import this fwp file to any SharePoint destination site. It can also overwrite any existing files or add them to an existing site; similar to the Content Deployment feature without the whole Job and Event aspects.
Simply do this in SharePoint Designer with the open site you wish to restore to.
Then Go to File | Import | Personal Web Package...
Please note this is for content migration and should not be used as a form a backup. Please ensure you backup your server farm using the correct backup operation methods.
Hopefully this can help in providing a way to get your data from a development server to a production server.