Hi Michael
I just want make sure the new server has the right versions (at least version):
1. Elasticsearch 5.?
2. Java 8
3. MySQL 6.?
4. Used rsync copy to ensure correct reght etc
5. Are you using Apache or Nginx?
6. Data in utf8mb3
7. Drop existing new installed database 2.8
8. Create new database on new 2.8
9. Restore database
10. On new 2.8 run upgrade
11. Did you make sure 2.8 database user is same as in config file?
12. Also post errors for us to check.
Johan Pieterse
AtoM IT specialist