Why can't I just copy and paste files with ftp? (Moving WP site)

10 replies
Hi,

After reading online for an hour or two about migrating a WordPress site to a new host (but keeping the domain) everyone says that you must use a bunch of plugins etc.

Why not just use ftp and copy/paste all the files to your new host? Doesn't this work? I am doing this now but it's going to take an hour or two before it is done. Will it work or should I just cancel the transfer?
#copy #files #ftp #moving #paste #site
  • Profile picture of the author RobinInTexas
    For one thing the FTP will not handle the database migration.

    I use Xcloner which is a free plugin that takes care of everything in a couple of steps.

    Just 2 files to transfer.

    You have the additional advantage that Xcloner can be used to schedule backups that you can store on the server or save to Dropbox or S3
    Signature

    Robin



    ...Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just set there.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8529057].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Lokahi
      You can just get your backup upload all of it go to phpmyadmin delete all tables from your used database then import softsql.sql or whatever sql you have in there then ok should be ok then.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8529578].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RobinInTexas
      Originally Posted by RobinInTexas View Post

      For one thing the FTP will not handle the database migration.

      I use Xcloner which is a free plugin that takes care of everything in a couple of steps.

      Just 2 files to transfer.

      You have the additional advantage that Xcloner can be used to schedule backups that you can store on the server or save to Dropbox or S3
      If you have SSH access on the new host "wget" can save a great deal of time.
      Signature

      Robin



      ...Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just set there.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8531125].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author topnichewebsites
    Doing it manually will take a long time as that is why some people will tell you to use a plugin. Either way it works the same as in the result. you need all your files and folders and database. In the new account you have to create your database/username/password. (can be the same as the old hosting

    Let me know if you need more help then that.
    Signature
    http://pixelcovers.com/ <- eBook add eCovers

    https://www.unicommercesolutions.com <- WordPress Websites and Maintenance
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8530375].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kingfish85
    Your new webhost should be able to migrate your site for you...
    Signature

    |~| VeeroTech Hosting - sales @ veerotech.net
    |~| High Performance CloudLinux & LiteSpeed Powered Web Hosting
    |~| cPanel & WHM - Softaculous - Website Builder - R1Soft - SpamExperts
    |~| Visit us @veerotech Facebook - Twitter - LinkedIn

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8530892].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Leonidess
    There are many ways of doing this. You can use FileZilla a free ftp client to transfer the files to the new host. This method will take some time ~2 hours probably. If you have SSH access to the new host you can do this faster (in 10 min or less), or you can check the web hosting panel for an auto script installer like Softaculious you can use it to install Wordpress and then just transfer the files like theme, plugins, uploads etc. via ftp (FileZilla). After that you'll need to upload the database and edit the wp-config.php file to get it working.

    Cheers!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8530977].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author competent123
    WordPress › BackWPup Free - WordPress Backup Plugin « WordPress Plugins

    i use this plugin

    it will save everyting, including database and ftp to your server ( make sure you select plugins + themes+ database in options)

    when on the target site, extract the file, edit wp-config to reflect your correct wordpress database info

    import sql file in database

    goto options and edit the location of your wordpress ( it will be on two locations, first page, and second page)

    you got your wordpress moved

    i managed to move wordpress in 2 minutes 43 seconds top.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8531882].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marketwiz
    You will need ftp client to transfer files from one server to another you should download first and then upload to another server
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8532356].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMckay
    Its very simple. Just move your files to new server, move your db to new location and just open wp-config.php file and update db details in case its different. Login to admin panel of wordpress and save permalink as it would refresh the url cache and thats it

    Thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8533035].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author The Warlock
    Yeah it works but you need to modify wp-config.php and restore mysql database in new site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8534658].message }}

Trending Topics