Copying and Moving a Website for Client

by jlt
5 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
  • |
I have a client who wants me to create two websites. I can create them no problem, the only problem is I am not sure exactly how to copy his current design into my own webhosting to work on and then transfer it back to his once it is complete. I have created my own websites so I have never needed to transfer websites and designs before.

I have filezilla if I need that. I haven't used it yet so not sure what to do exactly. He wants me to copy his current design and then design from there. Then I will need to of course upload the new design, etc. once I have completed it.

Edit: Also, I meant to add these are Wordpress websites.
#client #copying #moving #website
  • Profile picture of the author CoMpUtErGoD20XX
    The free way to do this requires you to do the following steps:
    01. Copy all of the files from the server using FileZilla
    02. Transfer these files to new location
    03. Make a copy of the current database using a tool such as WP-DB-Backup or export a copy from within PHPMyAdmin (Hosting Account Control Panel)
    04. Edit the database in a text editor (Notepad ++, is my favorite) and replace all instances of the current URL with the new site url
    05. Create an empty DB in the new location and import the DB from the file you just edited (make sure to set permissions)
    06. Make sure to check the wp-config file and adjust any of the DB name, DB user, password, etc

    The simpler but costlier way is to use backup buddy. It will automatically take care of everything for you. Just answer a few questions and you will be all set.

    If you have any questions please let me know.
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  • Profile picture of the author amritrr
    Why don't you download the theme he is currently using. Upload that theme to your current installation to work on. Once done upload the theme to your clients website.
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    • Profile picture of the author CoMpUtErGoD20XX
      @amritrr & @johnny125: You are both missing a big step by just copying files. You haven't helped describe how to move the database. Copying files in any of these ways are fine but if you don't describe a way to move the database and update the URLs associated with files then it won't work.

      I think so far my previous post was the most complete solution. @jlt, report back to us the method you end up using.

      My fingers are crossed for a smooth transition!
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrick
    I know this is not related to the topic, but why do you take up jobs which you have no idea about ? Many people take clients and say yes i can do it, etc and they have no idea about how to do it. Then when they cannot do it, they come for help in forums like these. And when they finally cannot do it, they run away from the client, thus leaving a bad impression about outsourcing to clients.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnny125
    If you have an ssh access to the server you can also tar whole directory and then copy the compressed file to another server and unpack it.
    This method will allow you to preserve the user-rights to all files.

    The same way you can move database.

    But this will only work if you have ssh access to hosting server.
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  • Profile picture of the author ussher
    [DELETED]
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