Dec 04 2009
Sometimes changing hosting companies is necessary. Maybe you've outgrown them, maybe their service isn't what it used to be, or their uptime just isn't what it should be. No matter the reason, the process of switching website hosting companies can be a serious pain. And if you're not familiar with what goes into it, it can be especially daunting. But it doesn't have to be. So here's a plan for making the transition smoother.
Sign up but don't cancel!
Don't make the mistake of canceling your current host prior to getting set up on the new one. That could spell disaster and a loss of income if you're financially dependent on your site. Instead...
1. Get access to your site files
This is more than just being able to view your site online. Every host provides you with FTP or SFTP access so that you can upload your site's files. Typically that information comes in the form of an FTP address, username and password:
ftp.yourdomain.com
username
password
You'll need this so you can copy your site files over to your new host.
2. Get access to your database(s)
If you're running any kind of database-driven software (such as ExpressionEngine, WordPress, a forum, etc.), you'll need to get access to your database(s). How databases are accessed is usually done through a control panel of some kind provided by your hosting company. For example, GoDaddy has their own proprietary control panel, which may look a little like this:
Dotster's proprietary control panel looks like this:
And our control panel, which is called cPanel, looks like this:
What your control panel looks like doesn't matter. But there's a 99% chance that your databases are accessible via your control panel. You'll need a copy of each database so that you can import the data into the new databases you set up with your new hosting company. If you're not sure how to do this, you'll need to either ask your current hosting company or have your web developer or new hosting company help you.
3. Make note of each email address associated with your domain
Most people have their domain-related email addresses (such as janedoe@yourdomain.com) running through their hosting account. If you're in that group, you'll need to make a note of each email address and their related passwords. That way, before you finalize the switch, you can set up the same email addresses in your new hosting account and avoid a major loss of emails. Your situation may vary so it's best to talk to your web developer or new web host on the best way to get your email addresses and messages moved over.
4. Move it all to the shiny new hosting account
Once you've got all your site files, databases and email addresses, you can transfer them over to your new hosting account. Again, if you're unsure how to do that, ask your web developer or new hosting company to help you out. Once you've gotten everything copied over, you'll likely have a temporary URL to check things and make sure things are looking okay. Be aware, though, that since your domain isn't pointing to the new host (more on that in a bit), things may not work 100% correctly on that temporary URL. As long as you have a backup copy of your site and databases though, you should be fine.
5. Point your domain to the new host server
Every host server has what's called DNS addresses (or nameserver addresses). Some have just two, some have more, but there will always be at least two. More often than not, they'll look something like this:
ns1.nameserveraddress.com
ns2.nameserveraddress.com
While the details of DNS addresses and how they work is beyond the scope of this entry, suffice to say that a DNS address is a way to identify the web location of a server so that when someone types in your domain into their browser, it pulls up the right site. Your DNS addresses can be changed by you if you have registered your domain with a company that allows you to manage your domains. Some companies don't however, so you'll need to find out how to get your DNS changed. In some cases, transferring your domain to a new registrar may be necessary. Either way, you'll need to have your domain pointing to the new host's DNS addresses. It's important to note that the change isn't always immediate. While it can be immediate, it can be anywhere from a few hours to up to 72 hours depending on the registrar.
6. Cancel the old hosting account
Once your domain has been confirmed to be using the new host (there are ways to confirm this - check with your new host or web developer), you can safely and happily cancel your old hosting account.
Final thoughts
As you can see, the process of switching website hosts can easily become a tedious one, especially if your existing hosting company is anything but cooperative or responsive. But don't let that stop you. Hopefully these tips will make it a lot smoother. If you're still unsure, check with your web developer / designer or your new host for help. Or, give us a shout - we can help too. :o)