Migrating Your Website from TDR Server to a New Server

Follow these steps to successfully migrate your website from the TDR server to a new server with minimal downtime:

1. Prepare Your Website Files

  • Gather Essential Files: Ensure you have the "Installer" and "Package" files. The package file (ZIP) should contain your plugins, themes, content, database, and WordPress core files.
  • Store Securely: Keep these files in a safe location for easy access during the migration process.

2. Set Up Your New Server

  • Choose a Compatible Server: Select a server that supports PHP version 8.0 or higher to ensure your website functions properly.

3. Upload Files and Initiate Installation

  • Transfer Files: Upload the "installer.php" and the ZIP package file to the root directory of your new server (typically "public_html" or "www").
  • Ensure an Empty Directory: Confirm that the root directory is empty to avoid any conflicts with existing files.

4. Test Your Website Files

  • Locate Your New IP Address:
    • Access cPanel: Log in to your cPanel account.
    • Find the IP Address: Under the "General" section, click on "Server Information" to locate your new server's IP address.
  • Test the Website Using Your Computer's Host File:
    Follow the detailed instructions provided in this resource to manually add your website's address and new IP address to your computer's host file. This allows you to test the website locally before making it public: Testing Your Files.

5. Run the Installer

  • Open the Installer: In a web browser, navigate to the "installer.php" file on your new server (e.g., https://firopizza.com/installer.php).
  • Follow Prompts: Carefully follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installer. Enter the new server's database details and click "Next" to initiate the migration process.

6. Complete the Migration

  • Process and Configuration: The installer will extract the contents of the ZIP file and configure the database settings for your new server.
  • Follow Prompts: As instructed, update URLs or address any identified issues. Review the results and confirm that the migration has been successful.

7. Update Permalinks and Settings

  • Access WordPress Dashboard: Log in to the WordPress dashboard on your new server.
  • Update Permalinks: Navigate to "Settings" -> "Permalinks" and save the changes to update the website's internal link structure.
  • Review Other Settings: Double-check and update any other necessary settings specific to your website.

8. Test Your Website Thoroughly

  • Open Website on New Server: Access your website using the new server's IP address or domain name.
  • Test Functionalities: Carefully test all aspects of your website to ensure that everything functions as expected.

9. Change DNS Settings

  • Point to New Server: Only after successful testing, update your DNS settings to point your website's domain name to the new server's IP address.
  • Allow Propagation Time: This process can take up to 48 hours, so please be patient while the changes propagate globally.
  • Remove Testing Redirect: Remember to remove the redirect entry you created during the "Testing the Files" stage, as it is no longer necessary.

By following these steps meticulously, you can successfully migrate your website from the TDR server to a new server while ensuring a smooth transition for your visitors.