[Alan Mater]

I'd like to move my site from Host4Profit over to HostGator, allowing me to save a bit of money every month. From my understanding I'll still be able to earn commissions from Host4Profit, so no loss there.

I would like to inquire the help of some of our savvy members who have experience doing this. I want to learn how to do it, rather than having someone do it for me. So, any instructions, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

An obvious backup of everything would be my first start. After that, I don't have a clue. I have my WP and Blogger blog, and also an article directory with databases that will need to go too. To me this seems complicated. I'm pretty sure I know how to backup the MySQL databases for each, so that shouldn't be a problem.

My main focus is just getting everything transferred, like the domain name and hosting and making sure everything goes smoothly without any errors.

Again, any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Alan

[tplahav]

Hi Alan,
Contact Suzanne Morrison, she wrote a step by step guide on how to do this, when HostGator was a part of PIPS.

I think you can find this guide somewhere over at the PPG.

Tanny

[tplahav]

Does it mean you are not selling? That's great!

[Suzanne Morrison]

Hi Alan,

Here are a few things you will need to do...

(1) Transfer all the files. You will need to go into the H4P webepanel, make a backup using the backup manager and then upload this backup to the new host using FTP or the cpanel.

(2) Wordpress Transfer. I have not done a Wordpress transfer before, but I have spoken to Jeffrey Ash of http://www.warriorhelp.com, who is very experienced in this area. He can do the transfer of all the wordpress files, database etc and upgrade to the latest version of Wordpress if necessary. He charges $25 for this. If you would like him to do this for you raise a ticket at tell him that you want to transfer your WP blog from H4P to Hostgator and he will let you know what information he needs to do this.

(3) Update the Name Servers. After the files have been transferred and the Wordpress blog transfer is complete you will need to login to your domain registrar account and update the name server information to point to the new name servers. If you registered with Host4Profit you will need to raise a support request and ask them to set the name server info to the Hostgator servers. If you would like to separate your domain name from Host4Profit you can transfer your name to http://www.namecheap.com – they charge less than $10 per year and are excellent. I use them for all my own domains.

(5) Update your Blogger Settings (if applicable) If you have a blogger blog on your site you will also need to update your blogger settings. Login to blogger and click on "Settings" and then "Publishing" and update your username & password.

(6) Check everything works. Finally, you will need to check that everything is in working order on your new host. Visit your site, check the links are working, the graphics are showing etc.

(7) Cancel Host4Profit. Do this only once you are happy with all of the above you can cancel your Host4profit hosting account. Remember that if your domain is registered with them you either want to move it to namecheap.com OR make sure that Host4Profit will continue to manage and renew your domain name.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Suzanne

[Patrician]

HostGator advertises that they will assist you in transferring your site once you set up your account there.

They have excellent 24 hour phone support as well as online chat. (For WordPress you will need to move your SQL database(s) which are right in your WebPanel.

1-866-96gator

[houdy]

The files are the easy part and I suggest that you still have access to the old hosting account during the move in case you need to grab a missing file or database.

As for your WP blogs make sure you get a backup of the database(s) first: more here: Backup WordPress Database

First move all the files to new host, then create a new database for the WP blog. Then edit the old wp-config.php file to match the new database settings. The tricky part is matching the new database settings on the old wp-config.php file. If you just move all the files and then import the database it will not work. Remember the crucial part is the wp-config.php file that is in your main WordPress directory. This option will duplicate the blog on the new host exactly as it was on the old.

Another option is to export the blog from the old WP dashboard, Tools, Export. Save the file on your computer. Then install Wordpress on the new host exactly as it was on the old. Then import the old posts, Tools, Import. This option is much more time consuming because you need to setup the blog and try to match the settings of the old one (permalinks need to be matched for sure). Also some hosting accounts limit the amount of data that can be imported this way, changing the setting is possible on some hosts but can be tricky.

[Leon Bowes]

Alan you can still get H4P for $11.95/mo if you opt out of the affiliate program. Just email them and tell them you are planning to move unless they have any other programs. Month to month at Hostgator is $9.95 unless you pay 1 or 2 years up front.

Leon

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by tplahav

Does it mean you are not selling? That's great!

Not necessarily. If I can get a decent price for it I'll definitely be selling. I have some plans for a big comeback

[Alan Mater]

Thanks for the help everyone.

Suzanne, great instructions! Hopefully I can do it without messing it up!

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by houdy

The files are the easy part and I suggest that you still have access to the old hosting account during the move in case you need to grab a missing file or database.

As for your WP blogs make sure you get a backup of the database(s) first: more here: Backup WordPress Database

First move all the files to new host, then create a new database for the WP blog. Then edit the old wp-config.php file to match the new database settings. The tricky part is matching the new database settings on the old wp-config.php file. If you just move all the files and then import the database it will not work. Remember the crucial part is the wp-config.php file that is in your main WordPress directory. This option will duplicate the blog on the new host exactly as it was on the old.

Another option is to export the blog from the old WP dashboard, Tools, Export. Save the file on your computer. Then install Wordpress on the new host exactly as it was on the old. Then import the old posts, Tools, Import. This option is much more time consuming because you need to setup the blog and try to match the settings of the old one (permalinks need to be matched for sure). Also some hosting accounts limit the amount of data that can be imported this way, changing the setting is possible on some hosts but can be tricky.

Thanks, Houdy. That was my next question. Sounds somewhat easy enough.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Leon Bowes

Alan you can still get H4P for $11.95/mo if you opt out of the affiliate program. Just email them and tell them you are planning to move unless they have any other programs. Month to month at Hostgator is $9.95 unless you pay 1 or 2 years up front.

Leon

Thanks, Leon. I actually didn't know that. I'd still want to be able to earn commissions, though.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Patrician

HostGator advertises that they will assist you in transferring your site once you set up your account there.

They have excellent 24 hour phone support as well as online chat. (For WordPress you will need to move your SQL database(s) which are right in your WebPanel.

1-866-96gator

Thanks Pat. If I run into any trouble I think I'll take advantage of that.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by houdy

As for your WP blogs make sure you get a backup of the database(s) first: more here: Backup WordPress Database

First move all the files to new host, then create a new database for the WP blog. Then edit the old wp-config.php file to match the new database settings. The tricky part is matching the new database settings on the old wp-config.php file. If you just move all the files and then import the database it will not work. Remember the crucial part is the wp-config.php file that is in your main WordPress directory. This option will duplicate the blog on the new host exactly as it was on the old.

Hi Jeff,

Would using the MySQL Backup Manager in the Control Panel of Host4Profit do the same thing in terms of backing up the database, or should I still back it up as you describe on your site?

I took a look at the wp-config.php file and looks pretty simple enough. I shouldn't have any problem changing the database settings to the new database once I transfer it over. I'll ask if I run into any problems.

I hope to get this transfer done within the week. Been busy doing other stuff. I'll let you all know when it's done.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Suzanne Morrison

Hi Alan,

Here are a few things you will need to do...

(1) Transfer all the files. You will need to go into the H4P webepanel, make a backup using the backup manager and then upload this backup to the new host using FTP or the cpanel.

(2) Wordpress Transfer. I have not done a Wordpress transfer before, but I have spoken to Jeffrey Ash of http://www.warriorhelp.com, who is very experienced in this area. He can do the transfer of all the wordpress files, database etc and upgrade to the latest version of Wordpress if necessary. He charges $25 for this. If you would like him to do this for you raise a ticket at tell him that you want to transfer your WP blog from H4P to Hostgator and he will let you know what information he needs to do this.

(3) Update the Name Servers. After the files have been transferred and the Wordpress blog transfer is complete you will need to login to your domain registrar account and update the name server information to point to the new name servers. If you registered with Host4Profit you will need to raise a support request and ask them to set the name server info to the Hostgator servers. If you would like to separate your domain name from Host4Profit you can transfer your name to http://www.namecheap.com – they charge less than $10 per year and are excellent. I use them for all my own domains.

(5) Update your Blogger Settings (if applicable) If you have a blogger blog on your site you will also need to update your blogger settings. Login to blogger and click on "Settings" and then "Publishing" and update your username & password.

(6) Check everything works. Finally, you will need to check that everything is in working order on your new host. Visit your site, check the links are working, the graphics are showing etc.

(7) Cancel Host4Profit. Do this only once you are happy with all of the above you can cancel your Host4profit hosting account. Remember that if your domain is registered with them you either want to move it to namecheap.com OR make sure that Host4Profit will continue to manage and renew your domain name.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,

When in HostGator, what option do I use for adding a new site? Is it the "Add-on Domain?" I'm guessing this needs done before I transfer the domain name, but I need to know how to import all the files into a new domain option, since I already have a domain and hosting plan setup with them.

Thanks!

[houdy]

Alan I am not familiar with the MySQL Backup Manager in the Control Panel of Host4Profit, my guess is that its the same but I don't know. Better get as many different backups as possible and keep the old hosting account until the transfer is complete.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by houdy

Alan I am not familiar with the MySQL Backup Manager in the Control Panel of Host4Profit, my guess is that its the same but I don't know. Better get as many different backups as possible and keep the old hosting account until the transfer is complete.

LOL... okay, will do.

Thanks!

[Graham Maddison]

Hi Alan,

Just wondered how you got on with this idea?

Graham

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

I'd like to move my site from Host4Profit over to HostGator, allowing me to save a bit of money every month. From my understanding I'll still be able to earn commissions from Host4Profit, so no loss there.


My main focus is just getting everything transferred, like the domain name and hosting and making sure everything goes smoothly without any errors.

Again, any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Alan

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Graham Maddison

Hi Alan,

Just wondered how you got on with this idea?

Graham

Hi Graham,

Thanks for asking. I was about to post an update here regarding where I am with this.

I talked to HG support yesterday and went through the steps to get my current HG account ready for the switch. Now all that's left is for me to transfer the files over and create the database for WP. Once that's done I'll have to transfer the domain to namecheap.com and make sure everything is working properly.

Question for anyone, will I have to create a new database for my article directory? Or can I just transfer the files over and have it work without doing anything else?

Thanks!

[houdy]

Alan, the article database will probably be similar to the WP database. Create a new database and import the old one into it. Then edit the article directory configuration file (what ever it is) with the new database settings.

[Alan Mater]

Thanks for the reply, Houdy.

I'll hopefully get started on the move tomorrow, and if I'm lucky, have it done by Monday. That's assuming I don't run into any problems along the way.

[Graham Maddison]

You are brave man Alan

I wish you good luck

Graham

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

Thanks for the reply, Houdy.

I'll hopefully get started on the move tomorrow, and if I'm lucky, have it done by Monday. That's assuming I don't run into any problems along the way.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Graham Maddison

You are brave man Alan

I wish you good luck

Graham

LOL... thanks, Graham.

I'll be in here with questions if I run into anything.

[Alan Mater]

One great benefit in doing this move is that I'll be earning more of a profit from my site. So, it's a necessary move.

I also like learning new things because I can then help others when they have similar questions. It's a win-win.

[Graham Maddison]

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

One great benefit in doing this move is that I'll be earning more of a profit from my site. So, it's a necessary move.

I also like learning new things because I can then help others when they have similar questions. It's a win-win.

I'm with you there Alan.

Good luck again.

[Alan Mater]

Houdy I have another question. For backing up my article directory database, should I follow the same instructions you have for backing up the WP database?

Thanks,

Alan

[Alan Mater]

Well, after 7+ hours of uploading, all files are finally transferred over. The new WP database is ready, and the old wp-config.php is pointing to the new database.

Problem... when attempting to do the same with the article directory, I can't find where and what file to change.

My guess is that it's the config.php file, but it's encrypted and looks like just about every other file. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks!

[houdy]

Alan try to read the original instructions for the article directory to get a clue as to what file if any needs modified.

[Alan Mater]

Here's what the readme file says:

Step #2.
-----------------------------------------------
Creat MySQL database
-----------------------------------------------

a. Create MySQL database and write down username, database name, and password


Step #3.
-----------------------------------------------
Database Management & Configuration
-----------------------------------------------

a. Go to the url yourservername.com file in web browser.

It asks for the following details :
-------------------------------
i. Base_url,
ii Base_path,
iii Database name,
iv Database username,
v Database password,
vi Table prefix - Leave blank if not sharing a MySQL database.

Now the required Tables will be created and configured automatically.

Since the files are transferred, once I get the nameservers switched, could I just go to the url and input the new database settings? Will doing that keep the current files and all articles?

[Alan Mater]

Here's what the readme.txt file says:

Step #2.
-----------------------------------------------
Creat MySQL database
-----------------------------------------------

a. Create MySQL database and write down username, database name, and password


Step #3.
-----------------------------------------------
Database Management & Configuration
-----------------------------------------------

a. Go to the url yourservername.com file in web browser.

It asks for the following details :
-------------------------------
i. Base_url,
ii Base_path,
iii Database name,
iv Database username,
v Database password,
vi Table prefix - Leave blank if not sharing a MySQL database.

Now the required Tables will be created and configured automatically.

Since the files are transferred, once I get the nameservers switched, could I just go to the url and input the new database settings? Will doing that keep the current files and all articles?

[houdy]

Ummm... since I am actually guessing here is what I would do. Well first I assume you Goggled how to move this article directory and got nothing??

Here is what I would try: Install the article directory on the new host/server as if it was new install as stated above. THEN once installed import the old database and see what happens. If it works great, if not delete the new database and stop following my bad advice

[Alan Mater]

LOL... thanks, Houdy. I'll give it a go and see what happens. I won't know until I get the nameservers changed, which probably won't be until tomorrow or Tuesday.

[Alan Mater]

For whatever reason, when I go to backup one of my databases, instead of saving it as a .zip file as I have chosen to do so clicking "zipped," it instead saves it as a .sql file.

So, when I go to import a database, specifically my article directory database, I get this error:

Error in ZIP archive: Compressed size is not equal with the value in header information.

Any ideas?

[Alan Mater]

If I transfer my domain to namecheap.com, I'm guessing I'll input the name server information then, correct? This will eliminate the need to contact Host4Profit about it. I'll still be able to login to my Host4Profit account, though?

Thanks!

[Alan Mater]

I'd like to get this move taken care of today, so if someone can help me with the questions above, that would be greatly appreciated.

[Trent Brownrigg]

I don't know the answers to your questions because I am about as technical as a newborn baby. However, one thing I saw is that you said your database backups are being saved as a .sql file and that is normal. Every database backup I have ever done is saved that way.

Try posting your questions in the main discussion section or on a webmasters forum. Most of us here in the PIPS section aren't so great at stuff like this.

[Alan Mater]

Thanks Trent... will do.

[Kooza]

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

If I transfer my domain to namecheap.com, I'm guessing I'll input the name server information then, correct? This will eliminate the need to contact Host4Profit about it. I'll still be able to login to my Host4Profit account, though?

Thanks!

You need to tell H4P you want to host your domain else where and they will provide you with access. You'll then need to move it to namecheap if you want to host it there. It's all pretty straightforward. Once at namecheap you will need to point the nameservers to your Host Gator account, they will be provided to you when you sign up and namecheap proivde instuctions on how to setup your nameservers.

[Kooza]

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

For whatever reason, when I go to backup one of my databases, instead of saving it as a .zip file as I have chosen to do so clicking "zipped," it instead saves it as a .sql file.

So, when I go to import a database, specifically my article directory database, I get this error:



Any ideas?

You can just copy the SQL code itself straight into the database. Doesn't need to be zipped.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Kooza

You need to tell H4P you want to host your domain else where and they will provide you with access. You'll then need to move it to namecheap if you want to host it there. It's all pretty straightforward. Once at namecheap you will need to point the nameservers to your Host Gator account, they will be provided to you when you sign up and namecheap proivde instuctions on how to setup your nameservers.

I contacted them, and they said I need to open a free account at enomcentral.com/ and then they'll assign my domain to the account, and I'll have complete control over it. I'll then be able to transfer the domain to namecheap.com.

Not that it's hard but having never done anything like this I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing and everything goes smoothly.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Kooza

You can just copy the SQL code itself straight into the database. Doesn't need to be zipped.

What do you mean by copy the code? When I go to import the backup I keep getting an error.

[Kooza]

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

Well, after 7+ hours of uploading, all files are finally transferred over. The new WP database is ready, and the old wp-config.php is pointing to the new database.

Problem... when attempting to do the same with the article directory, I can't find where and what file to change.

My guess is that it's the config.php file, but it's encrypted and looks like just about every other file. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks!

Just a tip, if you upload the files zipped you can extract them using file manager in cpanel. Will take about 5 minutes as opposed to uploading each file individually via ftp which as you say can take hours.

[Kooza]

Originally Posted by Alan Mater

What do you mean by copy the code? When I go to import the backup I keep getting an error.

If I am following you correctly, you have created the database you just need to get the SQL code from your file into the database.

1. You can simply open phpMyAdmin in cpanel
2. Click on the database you want to load the data into
3. Click the SQL tab (you should now see an empty window)
4. Open your sql file in wordpad
5. Copy all content from wordpad and paste into empty window
6. Press go

I think they are all the steps off the top of my head.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Kooza

Just a tip, if you upload the files zipped you can extract them using file manager in cpanel. Will take about 5 minutes as opposed to uploading each file individually via ftp which as you say can take hours.

Man... if only I knew that before. I've uploaded my WP files three times now. Thanks for the tip! That will definitely come in handy if I have to do it again.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Kooza

If I am following you correctly, you have created the database you just need to get the SQL code from your file into the database.

1. You can simply open phpMyAdmin in cpanel
2. Click on the database you want to load the data into
3. Click the SQL tab (you should now see an empty window)
4. Open your sql file in wordpad
5. Copy all content from wordpad and paste into empty window
6. Press go

I think they are all the steps off the top of my head.

Thanks... I'll try this method if I can't get another one to work. I'd like to just update the config.php file to point to the new database, but the file is encrypted.

[Kooza]

I think you will have to tell it to point to the new database anyway as it will have a different name, user name and password are likely to be different too. If the config.php file is encrypted you are probably looking at the wrong file. I am assuming you are using Article Dashboard which I no longer use so can't help any more than that. I don't think it is supported anymore either.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Kooza

I think you will have to tell it to point to the new database anyway as it will have a different name, user name and password are likely to be different too. If the config.php file is encrypted you are probably looking at the wrong file. I am assuming you are using Article Dashboard which I no longer use so can't help any more than that. I don't think it is supported anymore either.

It's definitely the right file. I am using Article Dashboard, and you're right, it's no longer supported.

Also, when I open the SQL file in Wordpad, at the top it has the database name. Should I change that to the new database name?

[Kooza]

The database name is commented out so it doesn't really matter what it is. It's just there for your own reference. You don't need to make any changes to it just copy and paste the entire thing.

I don't have any more answers in regards to the config file. What makes you think that it is definitely the right file? I wouldn't go solely on the fact it is named config.php unless you have exhausted all other possibilities.

[Alan Mater]

Originally Posted by Kooza

The database name is commented out so it doesn't really matter what it is. It's just there for your own reference. You don't need to make any changes to it just copy and paste the entire thing.

I don't have any more answers in regards to the config file. What makes you think that it is definitely the right file? I wouldn't go solely on the fact it is named config.php unless you have exhausted all other possibilities.

I've been emailing Darrin McLaughlin from PIPSiteHelp who originally set the directory up for me years ago, and he said that was the correct file.

[Alan Mater]

Well, the DNS settings have been changed, and once I can see the change in my part of the world I'll see that everything is working okay. I called HostGator, and the guy said that everything looks normal when he goes to my site, so that's good news. My main worries is my blog which should be fine, and then my article directory will probably not work. I'll do a 301 redirect for that until I can figure something out.

Just wanted to give an update. Once all is well I'll transfer my domain to namecheap.com and cancel my H4P account.

[Alan Mater]

For some reason my home page doesn't show up for me, and neither does my blog. When going to my blog it shows a 500 internal server error. Could someone check and see if it comes up for them? Other pages on my site are loading fine, but my home page and blog aren't working. This obviously isn't a good thing, and hopefully something can be done.