Perplexing and Bursty Guide to Migrating a Multisite WordPress Installation

WordPress Multisite is an amazing solution for managing multiple websites using a single WordPress installation. But what happens when you need to move your multisite installation to a new location or host? Fear not, for we have prepared a step-by-step guide on how to migrate a multisite WordPress installation.

The Difference Between Single and Multisite Installations

Before we dive into the steps, it is important to understand the difference between a single WordPress installation and a multisite installation. In a single installation, you only have one website with one database. In a multisite installation, there is one WordPress installation with multiple sites sharing a database. Mind-blowing stuff, right?

Step 1: Back Up Your Site

First things first, create a backup of your website before making any changes. This ensures that in case something goes awry during migration, you can restore your site to its previous state. There are many backup plugins available in the WordPress repository. Choose one and backup your site ASAP!

Step 2: Prepare Your New Server

The next step is to set up your new server by installing a fresh version of WordPress on it. Make sure to create a database for the new WordPress installation.

Step 3: Export Your Multisite Database

Now it’s time to export your database. Log in to your current WordPress installation as the admin user and navigate to Tools > Export. Select “All content,” then click on “Download Export File” and save it to your computer. But make sure you’ve backed up your database first.

Step 4: Migrate Your Files

Once your database is exported, it’s time to transfer files to your new server. Use either FTP or SSH access to transfer the following files to your new server:

• wp-config.php: This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
• wp-content: This folder contains all your themes, plugins, images, and other uploaded files. Copy this folder to your new server.

Step 5: Import Your Multisite Database

With your files migrated, it’s time to import your database. Log in to your new site’s cPanel and navigate to phpMyAdmin. Select the database you created for your new WordPress installation, go to the “Import” tab, and select your .sql file. Once you’re ready, click “Go.”

Step 6: Update Your wp-config File

After importing the database, update the wp-config file with your new server’s settings. Open wp-config.php on your new server and update the following constants with the new database details:

define( 'DB_NAME', 'your_database_name_here' );
define( 'DB_USER', 'your_database_username_here' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password_here' );
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );

Step 7: Update Your Site URL

After updating your wp-config file, you also need to update your site URL. Open your database using phpMyAdmin and navigate to the wp_options table. Update the siteurl and home values to reflect your new server. For example, if your new site URL is http://newsite.com, update both values with that URL.

Step 8: Update Your .htaccess File

The final step is to update your .htaccess file. If you’re using an Apache server, update your .htaccess file to reflect your new server’s settings. Open your .htaccess file on your new server and update the following lines:

RewriteBase /
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

The Grand Finale

That’s it! You’ve successfully migrated your multisite installation to a new server. Test your site’s functionality and ensure everything is working correctly.

Conclusion:

Migrating a multisite WordPress installation may be complex and overwhelming, but by following these steps, you can do it successfully. Remember to always backup your site, set up your new server, export your multisite database, migrate your files, import your database, and update your wp-config file, site URL, and .htaccess file. Stick to these steps, and your site will be up and running on your new server without any hitches!