This guide explains how cPanel website migrations works, what information may be required and what should be checked before directing visitors to the migrated website.
Moving a website between managed hosting environments involves more than copying the website files from one server to another. A complete migration may include website files, databases, email accounts, DNS records, SSL configuration and other settings required for the website to operate correctly.
Domains.co.za Managed cPanel Hosting provides a cPanel-based environment that can simplify migrations when the existing website is also hosted on a compatible cPanel platform. However, the exact migration process depends on the source hosting environment, the type of website and the access available to the existing hosting account.
Planning the migration carefully can help minimise website downtime and prevent important information from being lost. This is especially important for dynamic websites such as WordPress or WooCommerce sites, where new database information may continue to be created while the migration is taking place.
A website migration generally consists of four stages:
Preparation involves identifying the website components and obtaining the necessary access credentials.
Transfer involves copying the website files, databases and other applicable hosting data to the new environment.
Testing confirms that the migrated website works correctly before DNS is changed.
DNS cutover directs visitors to the new hosting environment once the migration has been verified.
The exact data that can be migrated depends on the source hosting platform and the migration method being used. A full cPanel-to-cPanel migration may differ considerably from manually migrating a website from another hosting control panel.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Before Starting a Website Migration
Before beginning the migration, ensure you have:
- Access to your Domains.co.za Customer Portal.
- Access to the existing hosting environment.
- The relevant cPanel or hosting credentials.
- A current backup of the website.
- Database information where applicable.
- Details of the website’s email configuration.
- Access to the domain’s DNS records.
- Details of any external services or integrations used by the website.
How a Managed cPanel Website Migrations Works
1. Login to the Domains.co.za Customer Portal.
2. Open the Manage Services dropdown menu.
3. Choose Managed cPanel from the drop-down menu.
4. Click Manage next to the domain associated with your Managed cPanel Hosting package.
5. Click Login next to cPanel WHM Control Panel to access WHM and navigate/create the cPanel account.
6. Confirm that the destination hosting account has sufficient storage and resources for the website being migrated.
7. Create a current backup of the website on the existing hosting platform.
8. Gather the access credentials and information required for the migration.
9. Determine whether the website can be migrated using a cPanel transfer or whether a manual migration is required.
10. Transfer the website files to the Managed cPanel Hosting environment.
11. Transfer the website database and database users where applicable.
12. Update the website configuration if database names, usernames, paths or other server settings have changed.
13. Recreate or migrate email accounts where email is also moving to the new hosting environment.
14. Review the DNS records required by the domain before changing its nameservers or DNS configuration.
15. Test the migrated website before directing public traffic to the new server.
16. Check important functionality such as forms, logins, database connections and e-commerce features.
17. Update the domain’s DNS configuration when you are satisfied that the migrated website is working correctly.
18. Allow time for DNS changes to propagate and monitor both hosting environments during the transition.
19. Perform a final website test after traffic is reaching the new hosting environment.
20. Keep the previous hosting environment available temporarily where practical until the migration has been confirmed as successful.
Minimising Website Downtime
Where possible, avoid cancelling the previous hosting service immediately after the website files have been transferred.
Keeping the old website online during DNS propagation helps ensure that visitors can still reach a working version while DNS caches update.
For highly dynamic websites, additional planning may be required to prevent information such as orders, form submissions or account changes from being split between the old and new servers during the transition.
Additional Information
- A website migration can include files, databases, email and configuration information depending on the source and destination environments.
- The migration process can differ when moving from another cPanel server compared with moving from a different hosting platform.
- A current backup should always be created before starting a website migration.
- Dynamic websites may require additional planning because database information can continue changing during the migration.
- DNS should generally only be changed after the migrated website has been tested successfully.
- Email DNS records should be reviewed carefully if email services are also moving to the new server.
- SSL certificates should be checked after the domain begins resolving to the new hosting environment.
- Hardcoded server paths, IP addresses or URLs may need to be updated after a migration.
- PHP versions and extensions should be checked when migrating PHP-based websites because application requirements can vary.
- Website caching should be cleared where necessary after completing the migration and making configuration changes.
- The previous hosting environment should not normally be cancelled until the new website has been tested and the DNS transition has been completed.
- If you require assistance with a Managed cPanel Hosting migration, contact Domains.co.za Support with details of the existing hosting environment and the website that needs to be migrated.
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.
