Switching Web Hosting Providers

If the service that you are getting from your web hosting provider is inadequate and unsatisfactory, or if your website outgrows the current account that you have because of too much traffic to your website, you might have to change your web host provider. And when you decide on doing that, it might b a bit scary when you start thinking about all that you would have to do for the transfer. However, here are some simple pointers that would make the transition a lot easier.

1. Do a backup of your databases and files

Before deciding on transferring anything, you would have to backup each file and database that you have on your current web server. You could set up an FTP in your current web hosting account and then copy the files coming from your public_html directory onto a directory, which is in your local hard drive, which you would be able to easily remember later on.

For the database, the backup method would vary based on the control panel used by the web host, the database vendor and the server's operating system. A lot of providers offer some kind of backup utility which would allow you to keep a copy of your database tables' contents. However, if there is no simple backup utility that is available, then you will have to export your database's contents into a comma delimited file or probably to the standard file format of the database that you are using. A lot of backup utilities would convert the database to a long SQL file, which would be easy to be reconstructed by any compatible database engine.

2. The transfer to the new server

You would also have to make sure that the website is properly functioning at the new location first before changing your domain name's DNS information.

3. Check all loose ends

You could then upload the backup files of your databases or you could execute the SQL file, which you generated in your backup. Doing this would be able to restore your database just like how it was on your old server. Then change your domain name's name server information. This is usually found with the registrar where you registered your domain name or with the old web hosting provider that you have. They typically give you your login details, which you would use to be able to change your name servers.

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