Delving into the Intricacies of Transferring a WordPress Site to a New Server

WordPress is a well-known content management system for building websites without the need for technical expertise or coding skills. However, when it comes to transferring a WordPress site from one server to another, it can be an arduous task involving several steps. These steps include migrating the database, uploading the files, and reconfiguring the domain and settings. Let’s dive into this process step by step.

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Site

To avoid data loss, it’s essential to back up all the files and databases before transferring the site. You can create a manual backup or use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or VaultPress for the task. Here’s how to create a backup using UpdraftPlus:

• Install and activate the UpdraftPlus plugin on your WordPress site.
• Click on the ‘UpdraftPlus Backups’ link on your dashboard and then ‘Backup Now.’
• Select the files and databases you want to back up and click ‘Backup Now.’

Remember to download and store the backup files on your computer or cloud storage.

Step 2: Export the WordPress Database

The WordPress database contains all the content, comments, user data, and settings of your site, and it needs exporting. Follow these steps:

• Login to your cPanel account and access your hosting provider’s phpMyAdmin interface.
• Select the database you want to export.
• Click ‘Export’ in the top menu and select ‘Quick’ during the export method choosing process.
• Make sure the format is set as ‘SQL.’
• Click ‘Go’ to initiate the export process.

After the export process, remember to download and save the SQL file on your computer.

Step 3: Upload the WordPress Files to the New Server

The next step is transferring the WordPress site’s files from the old server to the new one, and an FTP client may be ideal. Here’s how to upload the files:

• Connect to the new server using an FTP client such as FileZilla.
• Navigate to the root directory of the new server (usually /public_html/).
• Upload the files from the old server to the new server.

Ensure that you upload all the files included in the newly performed backup.

Step 4: Import the WordPress Database to the New Server

After relocating your WordPress files, the next thing is to import the WordPress database to the new server. Here’s how:

• Login to the phpMyAdmin interface of the new server.
• Select the database you want to import to.
• Click ‘Import’ in the top menu.
• Choose the SQL file you downloaded earlier and click ‘Go.’

The import process can take several minutes, depending on the size of your database.

Step 5: Configure the Domain

After uploading the files and importing the database, you must configure your domain to point to the new server. Here’s how to do it:

• Login to your domain registrar’s account.
• Locate the DNS settings of your domain name.
• Change the IP address associated with the A record to the IP address of your new server.

Note that DNS changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide.

Step 6: Update the wp-config.php File

The final step is to update the wp-config.php file on the new server to reflect the changes in the database. Here’s how to do it:

• Connect to your new server via FTP (FileZilla).
• Navigate to your WordPress site’s root directory.
• Locate and open the ‘wp-config.php’ file.
• Update the database name, database username, database password, and database host to match the new server’s details.
• Save and close the file.

Congratulations! You have successfully transferred your WordPress site to a new server.

In conclusion

Transferring a WordPress site from one server to another may seem daunting, but by following these six steps, you can easily achieve it. Always back up your site before the transfer process and pay close attention to configuration changes in the domain and wp-config.php files. If you face any issues or have questions, contact your hosting provider’s support team.