How do you migrate your site to a new host?

[Nomad]

When comes to site migration, how do you do it? Do you manually download database and website files and re-upload or do you use automated site migration plugins or add-ons? I do it manually.

 

[nana kwasi]

Proboards hosts my forum, and I recently learned that we are not allowed to switch to another platform because of their terms of service. If the other free boards, such as Jcink, MyBB, and phpbb, can transfer to another, may I ask? Have you switched to a different platform if yours is paid for? Was that not a simple task? Did you hire someone or did you do it yourself?

 

[Shortie]

In the past, we've downloaded the databases needed, then downloaded the files manually into a zip folder, we've also performed a "Full directory backup" in Cpanel as an extra precaution There's a lot of ways to handle back ups and some work better than others. I think the full backup route is probably the safest bet though to keep things 'in order' on the new hosting platform. Most hosting providers nowadays offer a migration service when you move hosts, either for free or a small fee, if you need help migrating to a new host, I would ask your new host about the migration process and see if they'd be willing to help move you from your old host.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Whenever I needed to move hosts, I would make a database backup in phpadmin. Then I'll install the same script on my new host, import my database and rebuild the forum to make sure all the post counts, avatars, etc. are correct upon reopening the site. It's been a while since I moved hosts though, I merged a few sites together but the merge was easy since I used Woltlab's own converter so it was a matter of just making sure the converter had access to the correct databases.

 

[Tracy]

When comes to site migration, how do you do it? Do you manually download database and website files and re-upload or do you use automated site migration plugins or add-ons? I do it manually.

For me.. it's pretty simple. I keep a 3 week rolling full backup of all the sites databases and files (several hosted on the VPS). If I get a wild hair... I simply go to the new hosting provider, burn out my VPS and get it configured.. change my DNS entries to point to the new site, restore the sites from the backup and I'm back in business.

 

[Tracy]

Whenever I needed to move hosts, I would make a database backup in phpadmin.

If you have ANY ability of shell access... avoid phpMyAdmin like you would the worst STD in existence. If the database is very large, it frequently times out and your DB export/backup is going to be trashed.
Just one more reason I avoid ANY panel like the plague.
If you are blessed with shell access, it's not really that hard to do using simple cron jobs.. I have some additional on the back end that keeps my locals broken down into weeks.

 

[Reverie]

I personally didn't do it - but the files got downloaded and then taken over to the new forum.

Out of curiousity and lack of knowledge - what are some of these migration plugins or addons that would assist in this?

 

[Jason]

I am good at setting up forum software, but not moving it. I would have to hire someone or use some in-house service at the new hosting company.