How to switch web hosts
If you have a website, chances are that you'll switch to a different web hosting provider at some point. Whatever the reason for the switch, following these steps will help you have a smooth transition to the new web host. Note that the last steps should be done last.
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Back up your site
Copy everything onto your hard drive or a separate disk so that you'll have it in case anything goes wrong:
- Static files (content, templates, images, etc.)
- Scripts and plugins
- Databases
- Email addresses set up for the domain
- Email autoresponders
Transfer the content to the new account
If the new provider uses the same control panel, this step may be easier. With some control panels, the new web host can transfer the site or part of it, such as databases, from the current server to the new one if you provide the necessary access. Some web hosts offer site transfer to new clients. If having the site transferred isn't an option, you need to upload the files, recreate the databases and email accounts, and set up everything else yourself. Or you can hire someone to move the site for you.
Check everything
Using the temporary URL for the new account, go through your web pages.
- Look for possible error messages from scripts or databases.
- Test your contact form and other forms.
- Check your email addresses and forwarders.
- Make sure that your ordering process works perfectly all the way to checkout.
- Run a link checker to check all your internal links.
When you find problems, fix them.
Change your nameservers
Once you know that everything is working on the new server, change your nameservers to point to the site on the new server. Check the site again, this time accessing it via your domain.
While your domain is changing to the new nameservers, it may go back and forth between the old and new servers for a short time. The domain should fully resolve to the new nameservers within about 96 hours, less in most cases.
Cancel your account with your previous web host
Only when all of the above is complete is it time to cancel with your previous web host. While most web hosting providers will remain professional to the end, some have been known to delete the account from the server immediately after receiving advance notice of cancellation. Don't take a chance on losing your files this way.
Be sure to find out your previous web host's cancellation policy. Some require the cancellation request to be made through specific channels or clients will continue to be billed. Web hosting clients benefit from having cancellation procedures to follow so that competitors can't cancel their accounts for them, but these procedures need to be followed for the cancellation to take place.
See also
- How to get started with a website
- Types of web hosting accounts
- How to ensure faster and friendlier web hosting support
Web Hosting Wiki article text shared under a Creative Commons License.
