MKRD.info - Everything about Everything!

What to watch for during website transfers

1) Backup all databases and file directory of the website. Make sure that the entire database is backed up. Try to view contents of the backup before you delete anything. Restore from backup on the destination server BEFORE you delete the old site. Just in case, FTP backup ALL files on the server. Backup site files that were not backed up (uploads, images, configuration files, etc). Backup configuration files like .ftpaccess, .htaccess, etc.

2) Write down all passwords for everything (admin, database, ftp, shell, e-mail, and statistics usernames and passwords, etc)

3) Website statistics will be reset. Keep this in mind. You might want to back up the log files.

4) All e-mail hosted will be lost. Including all contacts.

5) DNS changes can take anywhere half a day to two days to take effect. During this time visitors will not be able to access your website. You might want to see if you can implement two copies on both old and new server so when DNS change takes effect visitors will immediately be pointed to the new site instead.

6) Ask about fees such as per-GB over the allotted limit on storage. Those fees can pile on.

7) Backup all databases and file directory of the forum and any other external modules used on your web site.

8) Watch settings on e-mail & contact form.

9) Watch for e-mail accounts implemented on the server. Not all hosting providers allow for e-mail in the form of email@yourwebsite.com.

10) Domain name registration will probably stay on old hosting service for a while. Namespace/dns will then need to be updated. Errors might be detected, as this process will take about a day to complete.

This process will be far from painless. Try not to delete anything on the old server without confirming that the new server version is working properly. Since this process is so painful, you will need to make the right decision regarding your hosting provider if you foresee the probability that you will outgrow your hosting provider, or if they have any stupidities in place (high overlimit fees for example).

 

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