#27 – bulk redirect of old URLs using regex

 We've installed sh404SEF and got it configured; however, we need to redirect a LOT (over 3000+) old URLs to their new SEF URL.

Like this:
OLD URL:
topics/management/6708-control-burrowing-rodents-to-help-safety-reduce-forage-loss
NEW URL:
/topics/management/control-burrowing-rodents-to-help-safety-reduce-forage-loss

I have tried creating .htaccess rules like this:
RewriteRule ^topics/([-0-9a-zA-Z]+)?/([0-9]+)?-(-[a-zA-Z]+)? http://xxxx.net/topics/$1/$3 [L,R=301]

But I always get a 404 error.

I've tried using 3rd party extensions
(like http://extensions.joomla.org/extensions/extension/site-management/url-redirection/massive-redirects) but still get same 404 error.

I've checked with my server/hosting company support (SiteGround) and they don't see a problem with the htaccess rule (and we've tried several different syntax options).

Can you tell me if there is ANY way within sh404SEF to create these rules or IF sh404sef might be blocking the redirect at any level?

Sorry I didn't give you the full URL.

Here is the 'old' URL:

http://xxxx.net/topics/management/6708-control-burrowing-rodents-to-help-safety-reduce-forage-loss

Here is the 'new' (sh404sef) URL:

http://xxxx.net/topics/management/control-burrowing-rodents-to-help-safety-reduce-forage-loss

As you can see, the new/sh404sef URL does work properly.
It's just very strange that the regex rules don't work.

It's like the htaccess rules are being ignored.

Any ideas?

That is VERY strange.
It's working for me now also.

I'm guessing that my hosting company (who told me that you can't redirect SEF urls) decided to make changes to the htaccess file (without my approval) [I'm close to posting a bad review about this hosting company.]

I'll update this when I track down exactly why it is now working.

Yes, it was my hosting company.
They were able to track down a syntax compatibility issue with the regex rule.
We've almost got it working - can't wait to actually put sh404sef to work.

BTW ... congratulations on the move back to managing the project directly. I'm looking forward to seeing great things from weeblr. And will post a good review for your support on this issue!

Thanks!