You can add existing website to Domains.co.za Managed cPanel Hosting by creating or preparing the relevant cPanel account, transferring the website files and database, and then updating the domain’s DNS when the website is ready to go live. Always create a complete backup of the existing website before starting.
Overview
Domains.co.za Managed cPanel Hosting provides dedicated resources with cPanel and reseller access, while the underlying server software, security and stability are managed by Domains.co.za. This makes it possible to host and manage multiple websites without taking responsibility for the underlying server administration.
Adding an existing website is different from creating a new website because its existing files, databases, email configuration and other required data must be transferred to the new hosting environment. The domain also needs to point to the correct hosting environment once the migration is complete.
Before starting, create a complete backup of the existing website and database. Where possible, keep the existing website online until the transferred version has been tested and is ready to go live.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Add Existing Website to Managed cPanel Hosting
The exact migration method will depend on the website and the type of access available at the existing hosting provider. Domains.co.za also provides a website migration process for customers moving existing websites to our hosting environment.
1. Login to the Domains.co.za Customer Portal.
2. Open the Manage Services dropdown menu.
3. Choose Managed cPanel Hosting from the available options.
4. Click Manage next to the domain associated with your Managed cPanel Hosting package.
5. Open the management area for your Managed cPanel Hosting service from the Manage Services dropdown menu.
6. Access the cPanel or reseller management interface associated with your Managed cPanel server.
7. Create or select the cPanel account that will host the existing website.
8. Confirm that the domain has been added to the correct cPanel account and has its own document root.
9. Create a complete backup of the website at its existing hosting provider before transferring any data.
10. Download or obtain copies of the website files and any databases required by the website.
11. Open File Manager in the destination cPanel account and navigate to the website’s document root.
13. Upload the existing website files to the correct document root and extract them if they were transferred as an archive.
14. Create the required database and database user through cPanel if the website uses a database.
15. Import the existing database into the newly created database.
16. Update the website’s configuration file with the new database name, username, password and host details where required.
17. Recreate any required email accounts or other hosting-specific settings that are not included in the website files.
18. Test the migrated website as thoroughly as possible before changing the live DNS.
19. Update the domain’s DNS or nameservers to point to the new hosting environment once you are satisfied that the website is working correctly.
20. Allow time for the DNS changes to propagate and monitor the website after it goes live.
What Should You Check Before Moving an Existing Website?
You should confirm that you have access to all the data required to recreate the website in the new hosting environment.
This can include website files, databases, email accounts, DNS records, SSL configuration and application-specific settings.
Should You Change the DNS Before Uploading the Website?
No. Where possible, prepare and test the destination website before directing the live domain to the new hosting environment.
Changing DNS too early can direct visitors to an incomplete website while files and databases are still being transferred.
What If the Existing Website Uses WordPress or Another CMS?
A CMS website normally requires both its website files and its database to be migrated.
The database credentials in the application’s configuration may also need to be updated to match the database and user created in the new cPanel environment.
What If You Don’t Want to Migrate the Website Manually?
Domains.co.za provides a website migration process for eligible hosting migrations. Check the migration requirements or contact the Domains.co.za Support Team before beginning a manual transfer if you require assistance.
Additional Information
- Always create a complete backup of the existing website and its databases before starting a migration.
- Keep the existing hosting service active until the website has been transferred, tested and confirmed to be working from the new environment.
- Database-driven websites require both the website files and database to be migrated correctly.
- Email accounts and messages may require a separate migration and should not be assumed to be included with the website files.
- DNS changes should normally be made after the website has been prepared and tested on the destination hosting environment.
- DNS propagation can mean that some visitors reach the old server while others reach the new server for a period after the DNS change.
- Check PHP versions, extensions and other application requirements before moving an existing website to a new environment.
- Do not delete the original website or hosting account immediately after the migration, as it can provide a temporary fallback if an issue is discovered.
- Website code, plugins, themes and application-specific functionality remain separate from management of the underlying Managed cPanel server.
- Contact Domains.co.za Support if you are unsure whether your website qualifies for migration assistance.
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.
3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.
