This is my first attempt to migrate a Drupal database from a staging server to the live server. I want to migrate all the settings, content, etc to the new server, but have had no success. At this point, I have created a new Acquia install on the live server, updated the templates as desired, and cringe at the prospect of fouling up the install yet again with a database dump/import on the live server. I have tried this three different ways already, and just want to know how migrate properly.

Can anyone guide me on which settings (if any) need attention prior to or after data import?
May I import the staging-server database "as is" and simply run update.php?
Can anyone direct me to best practices for such a maneuver?