How to Change Your Web Host From Scratch

Changing web host – sometimes it’s even irritating to here that term for most of the webmasters since it is one of the messiest things you could experience as a webmaster especially if you are a newbie. But sticking to the basics which are mentioned below will make your life easy ensuring a smooth and secure procedure.

Backup All the Databases

Regular backing up the databases of all your sites is always a good habbit to cultivate as a webmaster. It provides a good assurance for you in case of a sudden failure. So start the process with backing up all the databses. That must be your initial move in changing the web host. It is no need to point out that everything depends on the databases. Keep in mind to save two copies of the databases and store them apart.

If you are shifting to a web host which has distinct control panel, create a manual back-up by downloading your entire collection of files since various control panels might be unable to restore the back-ups created by your old web host. If the directory structure of the new host distinct from the previous one then your file trees will be messed up.

Always try to keep a file which contains the server configuration of the old server and that will assist you to do adjustments in your new server and get rid of the confusion shifting between the two hosts. Make sure to choose the right transfer type either Binary or ASCII when you download. In case your download isn’t correct it’s likely that you will face lots of difficulties in making your site to function properly in the new web host.

If the server logs are important, make sure toback up those as well. There isn’t any good method of shifting logs since different hosts might log statistics in different ways. Therefore the most important step would be to download them and try a log analyzer on your pc to create references.

Start the proceedings

1. A reliable FTP client
2. Get the DNS of new server
3. Use a script which lets you know the web server environments set up on the new server for fast references.
4. Obtain the temporary URL on the new host in order to inspect the site prior to making the DNS change.
5. For those who have your web host manage the domain notify them not to alter your DNS till you inform them to.
6. For scripts – Obtain a copy of the installation guide as well as the script. At times after shifting the scripts they do not work properly and in such a scenario script will have to be implemented from scratch. Acquire a record of every server path like Perl, Sendmail as well as home directory in your new server. If the script wants specific modules or packages make sure they’re installed in the new location.

Let your visitors know about the move

It is typical and sound practice to tell your visitors as well as customers about the move. In case you manage an e-store, this step will help to guarantee your customers that you haven’t fled away with their cash if there are any downtimes. Furthermore provide another email so that you will not drop any emails in the process. You may also would like to provide regular updates throught the whole process. If your web site is huge, this step will be useful since your visitors could notify you whenever there’s a portion of the web site not functioning.

On the move

Find out the best time to commence the move. It can be arranged at a time when there is very minimal traffic to your site. Pay close attention to backing up all the databases. Begin by either creating or copying the error pages on to the new server. Keep in mind to mention about the move in there. It can be removed later. Start uploading the most visible portions of your site initially and then proceed towards the less critical parts of the site. If the site is a substantial one split the move in to several parts and commence with the less critical portions which is always the secure way of operation.

DNS change

When you are satisfied start changing the DNS. Around 1-2 days will be taken for this shift. That will allow you to go through any minor changes if necessary. You might also like to take this period to change old error pages in order to tell your visitors about the move and provide the new one if there are any URL changes. In order to detect whether the DNS has resolved, do a little change to the new pages in order to distinguish between the new and the old.

Inspect closely

Having completed the shift and resolved the DNS, do not close your previous hosting account. Maintain it for two weeks and keep a close look at the things happening with your site. Evaluate all the activities you examined during that time period and once you are satisfied you can close your old account and enjoy the new host.