In case your web host doesn’t utilize cPanel as the management interface for your website, and you want to transfer your site to a new dedicated server at InMotion Hosting, there are a few essential steps you should take. If you lack familiarity with your website’s structure, it is advisable to engage a website developer to ensure a correct transfer. InMotion Hosting offers website migration services and managed hosting support services to assist you if needed.
Please be aware that the creation of cPanel accounts is no longer unlimited. You can find more details about this change in our FAQs regarding cPanel pricing.
Planning your Website Transfer
It is crucial to plan your website transfer thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition. The main question to ask yourself is, “What steps do I need to take to move my website from the old host to the new host?” Here are some typical items that you should consider including in your checklist for website transfer:
- Domain name registration: Verify that your domain name registration is current and up-to-date.
- Website files: Download all website files from your old host to your local computer.
- Database: Export the website database from your old host and import it into the new host.
- Email accounts: Back up your email accounts and transfer them to the new host.
- SSL certificates: Make sure that your SSL certificates are up-to-date and valid on the new host.
- DNS configuration: Update your DNS configuration to point to the new host.
- Testing: Before going live, test your website on the new host to ensure everything is working correctly.
By following these steps, you can help ensure a successful transfer of your website from the old host to the new host.
Steps for Transferring your Website
Before starting the transfer process, it is crucial to plan thoroughly. The first step is to create a checklist of items that need to be transferred, which typically includes website files, database, email, SSL certificate, domain name, and DNS settings.
To transfer website files, use an FTP client to move the files from the old host to the new one, making sure to turn off any caching or search-engine friendly settings before transferring. To transfer the database, create a database on the new server, export the old database, move the file using FTP, and then import the file using phpMyAdmin in cPanel.
If you need to transfer email accounts, create them in cPanel before transferring. Communicate with other administrators managing email/websites to provide assistance and inform users of the move. Remember that the server will not handle the mail from the old server until the domain name has been pointed to the new hosting service.
If you are using an SSL certificate, you can move it from the old location to the new one if it is using the exact same domain name. The process typically takes less than an hour, but if you require a dedicated IP address, request it from InMotion support.
To point the domain name to the new host, transfer it or request a transfer from the old domain registrar. Keep in mind that domain transfers can take 7-10 days. DNS settings can be changed using WHM or the Advanced DNS editor in cPanel, and typically take up to 24 hours to apply.
After completing all of the transfer steps, create a checklist to verify that your website pages and functions are working correctly. Once confirmed, shut down any old services and your website transfer is complete.
