What's the easiest way to MOVE a Wordpress site??

15 years ago

Here is what you do to move it:

(A) Make a copy:

1 - Copy all of the files using your FTP or SFTP client. Another quick way of doing this is to use your File Manager (if you have a CPanel or similar control panel) and compress the whole HTML root directory into a Zip or TAR file, then download it.

2 - Make a backup of the MySQL database associated with the site, download it as a .sql file

Now to move it to another site:

1 - Restore the copied files to the HTML root of the new site. Again either use FTP/SFTP or use the File Manager and extract the archive file you made in the first step.

2- Create a new MySQL database and database user, give the user sufficient permission on the database. Make note of the database name, user name and password.

3 - Make a copy of the .sql file you made earlier. Now open this copy in a good text editor like PS Pad, BlueFish or Notepad++.

4 - Do a "search and replace", replacing all instances of "abcd.com" with "wxyz.com" - in other words change all your domain name references. Save the file.

5 - Import the file you just saved into your new MySQL database.

6 - On the new site edit the wp-config.php file to adjust the database name, username and password to match the new one.

And that's all there is to it!

Bill

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2 replies

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sg 15 years ago

I was about to reply to this thread, but Bill beat me to the punch! If you follow his exact instructions, you shouldn't have any problems moving the site. Keep in mind you're most likely exporting/importing the database via phpMyAdmin.
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System Wide Solutions

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mywebwork

Here is what you do to move it:

(A) Make a copy:

1 - Copy all of the files using your FTP or SFTP client. Another quick way of doing this is to use your File Manager (if you have a CPanel or similar control panel) and compress the whole HTML root directory into a Zip or TAR file, then download it.

2 - Make a backup of the MySQL database associated with the site, download it as a .sql file

Now to move it to another site:

1 - Restore the copied files to the HTML root of the new site. Again either use FTP/SFTP or use the File Manager and extract the archive file you made in the first step.

2- Create a new MySQL database and database user, give the user sufficient permission on the database. Make note of the database name, user name and password.

3 - Make a copy of the .sql file you made earlier. Now open this copy in a good text editor like PS Pad, BlueFish or Notepad++.

4 - Do a "search and replace", replacing all instances of "abcd.com" with "wxyz.com" - in other words change all your domain name references. Save the file.

5 - Import the file you just saved into your new MySQL database.

6 - On the new site edit the wp-config.php file to adjust the database name, username and password to match the new one.

And that's all there is to it!

Bill

You havent left anything more to say. Really appreciated.

Thanks

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SoundsGood

15 years ago

Wow, I very much appreciate the detailed reply (thank you!) but eek!

Is that really the easiest way ??

Thanks
2 replies

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sg

15 years ago

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

Wow, I very much appreciate the detailed reply (thank you!) but eek!

Is that really the easiest way ??

It's really not that hard, he just replied with very detailed steps on how to do this.

All you need to do is copy the files and export the database from Server A.

From there, you upload the same files to Server B. He outlined how to update the SQL database via Notepad (or any text editor) to avoid doing so with phpMyAdmin, which is then imported on Server B as well. That's pretty much just updating any instances of olddomain.com or /old/path/from/server/a/ in the database so the site properly functions on the new domain and server.

It's really not that hard at all, give it a try!

Thanks
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dgmac

15 years ago

Warrior, Jason Fladlien has an easy to use solution that's called WP Twin...he claims it can be done in under 57 seconds.

Go here to check it out: Wp Twin (Not an Affiiate Link)

There is a one time $97 price tag though...well worth it if you plan to clone or move sites!

Hope this helps, Doug :-)

Thanks
1 reply

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SoundsGood

15 years ago

Originally Posted by dgmac

...an easy to use solution that's called WP Twin...he claims it can be done in under 57 seconds.

That certainly does sound easier...

Thanks!

Thanks
1 reply

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sg

15 years ago

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

That certainly does sound easier...

Thanks!

For $97 I could hardly see that being worth it. You could probably hire someone off this forum to move it for you for less than $20. I've been able to move WordPress websites manually (pretty much using the same steps as above) in about 5 minutes. Unless you have a plethora of sites to move to make the $97 worthwhile, I'd highly advise against a paid option.

Thanks
2 replies

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swiminsoda

15 years ago

Originally Posted by sg

For $97 I could hardly see that being worth it. You could probably hire someone off this forum to move it for you for less than $20. I've been able to move WordPress websites manually (pretty much using the same steps as above) in about 5 minutes. Unless you have a plethora of sites to move to make the $97 worthwhile, I'd highly advise against a paid option.

Fiverr is $5 to migrate/ clone 1 wp blog.

Thanks

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bmcgoff

14 years ago

So this manual method moves all plugins and their settings as well as content/comments/images/etc.?

If I try it and mess up can I break the current site?

Thanks
1 reply

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AllanJames

14 years ago

Originally Posted by bmcgoff

So this manual method moves all plugins and their settings as well as content/comments/images/etc.?

If I try it and mess up can I break the current site?

You bet you can. Why not make it easy and safer for yourself and get Backup Creator as I suggested. I've restored (and moved sites) with it no trouble at all.

Thanks
1 reply

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Kiyi

14 years ago

Originally Posted by AllanJames

You bet you can. Why not make it easy and safer for yourself and get Backup Creator as I suggested. I've restored (and moved sites) with it no trouble at all.

Backup Creator doesn't work for most people. It depends on how much you paid for the plugin whether you get support.

Thanks
1 reply

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AllanJames 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Kiyi

Backup Creator doesn't work for most people. It depends on how much you paid for the plugin whether you get support.

'most'??

In the early days of it's release, like most new software, some people had problems on some hosts, but support quickly go on top of that and shot out updates.

As for 'how much you paid for it' - are you serious? It sounds to me like you where, for whatever reason, one of the few that was disappointed and are now putting the boot in.

I initially purchased the least expensive option, had a issue due mainly to my own misunderstanding of it, and had no problem at all in getting support to work on it and solve my problem. And none of my affiliates who purchased it have reported any problems. Today there are over 15,000 sites protected by it and I haven't heard any uproar of dissatisfaction. So......??

Today I wouldn't be without it for backup, cloning or moving.
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FBueller

15 years ago

I just tried it via copying files to new server and exporting/importing database with phpmyadmin...It didn't work and i don't know why. I contacted my hosting co...site5 and they told me that sometimes it "gliches" Oh well. I'll try it with the above instructions again.

Thanks
1 reply

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iuditg

15 years ago

Originally Posted by FBueller

I just tried it via copying files to new server and exporting/importing database with phpmyadmin...It didn't work and i don't know why. I contacted my hosting co...site5 and they told me that sometimes it "gliches" Oh well. I'll try it with the above instructions again.

Make sure you updated your wp-config file with your new database details

Thanks
1 reply

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FBueller 15 years ago

Originally Posted by iuditg

Make sure you updated your wp-config file with your new database details

I didn't do that. Do I go into this with a text editor? What are the new database details? What should change on the wp-config file???
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Best shared hosting 15 years ago

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

Wow, I very much appreciate the detailed reply (thank you!) but eek!

Is that really the easiest way ??

If you told that the steps are not easy then you should hire a professional too do this job.
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Patrick

15 years ago

In addition to the above, you will also need to change the path of the wordpress directory...from the old host to the new host, or else some plugins might not work.

And yes, this is the "easiest" way to move.

Thanks

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Steve Diamond

15 years ago

Actually, the easiest way by far is to use BackupBuddy (not an affiliate link). You can migrate a site with a few clicks. Not free, but worth the price if your time is valuable.

Steve

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AllanJames

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Diamond

Actually, the easiest way by far is to use BackupBuddy (not an affiliate link). You can migrate a site with a few clicks. Not free, but worth the price if your time is valuable.

Steve

And a recent WSO - still valid I think - offers a plugin that will backup/move a site. It's called Backup Creator - $7 it cost me.

Thanks

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SoundsGood

15 years ago

Okay, thanks guys!

Thanks

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SoundsGood

15 years ago

Yeah, I hear ya. Thanks...

Thanks

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Hakem

15 years ago

PM me, Would do it for a testimonial, I am launching a service for something similar to this for wordpress

Thanks

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Hakem

15 years ago

Got your PM, Can't reply there, so I will reply here, it is a service about doing some wordpress stuff, it is about wordpress only. if you want some examples of wordpress sites I made just tell me in PM or give me a contact method

Thanks

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Aaarrrggghhh

15 years ago

Originally Posted by SoundsGood

Hi guys,
What's the best and easiest way to do this?
Thanks!

I agree that BackupBuddy is the EASIEST way but there are also free WordPress plugins that will do most of this as well.

For me personally BackupBuddy is a HUGE time saver simply because of the volume of sites that need to be transferred to new domains or subdomains. Makes the process super simple and saves loads of time.

However, it is always a good idea that you also know how to do this manually in case you ever need to. Also, if a glitch does happen, you can easily figure it out. Usually when I encounter a 'glitch' it is because I didn't change the information in the wp-config file or the htaccess file can also cause problems.

Hope this helps, Leah

Thanks

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Alexdoerr

15 years ago

Your host should do this for free of cost. It is not a big deal to move the WP site from one domain to other.

Thanks

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stephaniek

15 years ago

Hi Fellow Austinite

Yes, you can jsut edit it in notepad.

The Database name, database username and password are the values you change here.

Nine times out of ten, localhost will stay localhost. Your new host will tell you if it needs to be something else.

I'd keep a copy with your original settings too, just in case.

/ ** MySQL settings - You can get this info from your web host ** //
/** The name of the database for WordPress */
define('DB_NAME', 'putyourdbnamehere');

/** MySQL database username */
define('DB_USER', 'usernamehere');

/** MySQL database password */
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'yourpasswordhere');

/** MySQL hostname */
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Thanks

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stephaniek

15 years ago

Apparently I'm unable to PM because I have less than 50 posts. If I upgrade to War Room then I should be able to PM right?

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1 reply

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FBueller 15 years ago

Hi Stephanie...

Yes you can pm if you upgrade. Also, i think, when you've don 50 replies on the board.
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KathyK

14 years ago

Just a note: if you are moving from a cpanel to a cpanel site, you can usually ask your new hosts to move it for you, give them your old user/pass and... whoosh... it's done.

Thanks
1 reply

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Cheers,
Kathy

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bmcgoff

14 years ago

Originally Posted by KathyK

Just a note: if you are moving from a cpanel to a cpanel site, you can usually ask your new hosts to move it for you, give them your old user/pass and... whoosh... it's done.

Which host do you use? I'm on Bluehost but haven't heard of this feature. That would be nice...

Thanks

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ruoall

14 years ago

I have to agree... BackupBuddy is an absolute must!!

I use it on all my sites and it works a charm!

Thanks

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infinitewp

14 years ago

If you use cPanel you could actually take a cPanel backup and then restore it completely Or you gotto follow what Bill said.

Thanks

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bmcgoff

14 years ago

Just finished my site move....thanks for the tips here, really helped me out!

Thanks

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retroid

14 years ago

You should check out ManageWP.com

You can move your site easily with just few clicks, manage bunch of your site from one location, and some other stuff... plus it's still free I believe.

Thanks

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mojojuju

14 years ago

The easiest way to move a Wordpress site:

Shutdown the server and then unplug it.
Pack the server in a box. Make sure to use lots of packing peanuts.
Have the box with the server shipped to the new location. I use UPS.
At the new location, unpack the box, plug in the server, and power it on.
Modify DNS settings.

That's all you have to do.

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SoundsGood

14 years ago

Originally Posted by mojojuju

The easiest way to move a Wordpress site:

Shutdown the server and then unplug it.
Pack the server in a box. Make sure to use lots of packing peanuts.
Have the box with the server shipped to the new location. I use UPS.
At the new location, unpack the box, plug in the server, and power it on.
Modify DNS settings.

That's all you have to do.

This is awesome. Thank you! But do we have to use UPS ??

Thanks

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bmcgoff

14 years ago

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic...

Thanks
1 reply

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Istvan Horvath 14 years ago

Originally Posted by bmcgoff

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic...

I can

.
.
.
.
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nightshade877

Banned 14 years ago

lookup movebuddy. Many posts here about it.

Thanks
1 reply

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andreabeadle 14 years ago

I know this thread is a little old now but I just wanted to say thanks.
I had a Wordpress website that I had created on a test domain and wanted to move to a new one which had an old website on it. I was a little nervous about the transfer because someone had said it was not easy for a beginner. (I'm not a Wordpress beginner just a migration beginner!)

I signed up for the 30 day free trial with managewp.com as recommended above and I can't believe how easy it was to move.

I deleted the old site. Installed Wordpress with Fantastico and within literally 1 minute the new site was up - exactly as it should look on the new domain.

I am ecstatic AND I have found a new toy to play with because I love managewp.com!! I can now use it to update all the sites I manage quickly and easily.

Brilliant!! Thank you!
- Thanks
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dazzvision

14 years ago

I usually use backupbuddy. This plugin does great.

Thanks

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josefilo

14 years ago

HI Soundsgood,

did you see this thread : http://www.warriorforum.com/warriors...er-server.html

just PM me.

thanks

Thanks

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keithotzkie

14 years ago

I was about to reply for help but I guess these guys have already helped you out..
haha.. Anyways.. Im just new to wordpress myself so I still lack some info about it..

Thanks

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AllenMack

10 years ago

WOWWWW :O so many answers with no easy solution ... :|
Man!! i hate to work

JUST install Backupbuddy or duplicator plugin then just click on backup button and you are done it will take your files and database backup then 2nd thing what you need to do is access your hosting & place backup files there... let me actually break it down a little
It will give you 2 files most probably one will be your backup zip 2nd installer.php

now do the below steps:

www.YourWebsite.com / installer.php

rest you will understand once you will reach on that installer page everything is already written there.

Thanks

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3wCorner

10 years ago

In your control panel, head voer to your file manager, then go to your public_html file folder. Backup a copy on your site at abcd.com. Back a copy of its database also.

Create a folder for wxyz.com and paste all the backup files into it. Create a new database, user and password. Restore your db and change your wpconfig.php file with your new database name, user and password. Install a search and replace plugin and replace abcd.com with wxyz.com.

Or if you are transferring to a different web host, just take advantage on the free site transfer service of your new web host.

Thanks

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What's the easiest way to MOVE a Wordpress site??

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