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Website Migration Guide

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Before You Begin

1. Create a Backup: Always create a complete backup of your current website, databases, emails, and important files.
2. Check Disk Space: Ensure your Xenum Hosting plan has sufficient disk space for all your content.
3. Domain Status: Verify your domain is unlocked at your current registrar if you plan to transfer it.
4. Gather Information: Collect FTP/SFTP credentials, database details, and email configurations from your current host.
5. Plan for Downtime: Schedule your migration during low-traffic periods to minimize disruption.

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Website Migration Process

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1. Migrating Website Files

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Using FTP/SFTP Method:

1. Download Files from Current Host:
   • Connect to your current hosting using an FTP client (like FileZilla)
   • Download all website files to your local computer
2. Upload Files to Xenum Hosting:
   • Log in to DirectAdmin
   • Navigate to File Manager or use FTP credentials provided in your welcome email
   • Upload all website files to the public_html directory (or appropriate subdirectory for addon domains)

• Connection Issues: Verify FTP credentials and ensure your IP isn’t blocked
• Upload Failures: Try uploading in smaller batches if you encounter timeouts
• Permission Problems: After uploading, check file permissions (typically 644 for files, 755 for directories)

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2. Migrating Databases

1. Export Database from Current Host:
   • Access phpMyAdmin on your current hosting
   • Select the database to migrate
   • Click “Export” and choose “Quick” export method with SQL format
   • Save the .sql file to your computer
2. Import Database to Xenum Hosting:
   • Log in to DirectAdmin
   • Go to MySQL Management
   • Create a new database and user
   • Access phpMyAdmin for the new database
   • Click “Import” and select your .sql file
   • Click “Go” to start the import process
3. Update Configuration Files:
   • Update your website’s configuration files (like wp-config.php for WordPress) with the new database details:
     Copy

     define('DB_NAME', 'new_database_name');
     define('DB_USER', 'new_database_username');
     define('DB_PASSWORD', 'new_database_password');
     define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
     

• Import Too Large: Split large SQL files into smaller parts or increase PHP limits
• Timeout Errors: Contact support to temporarily increase PHP execution time
• Database Connection Errors: Double-check the database name, username, and password in configuration files

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3. Migrating Email Accounts

1. Create Email Accounts on Xenum Hosting:
   • In DirectAdmin, go to Email Management → Email Accounts
   • Create accounts matching those on your previous host
   • Set up strong passwords for each account
2. Migrate Email Messages (Optional):
   • Configure both old and new email accounts in an email client like Thunderbird
   • Select and drag messages from old account folders to new account folders
   • For large mailboxes, consider using a dedicated email migration tool

• Missing Emails: Check spam folders and ensure IMAP is enabled on both accounts
• Authentication Failures: Verify email credentials and server settings
• Quota Issues: Check if you’ve exceeded mailbox size limits

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Domain Transfer Process

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Option 1: Changing Nameservers (Keep Domain at Current Registrar)

1. Get Xenum Hosting Nameservers:
   • Find nameservers in your welcome email or client area (typically ns1.xenumhosting.com and ns2.xenumhosting.com)
2. Update Nameservers at Your Registrar:
   • Log in to your domain registrar
   • Find domain management or DNS settings
   • Replace current nameservers with Xenum Hosting nameservers
   • Save changes
3. Wait for Propagation:
   • DNS changes typically take 24-48 hours to fully propagate
   • You can check propagation status using online tools like whatsmydns.net

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Option 2: Full Domain Transfer to Xenum Hosting

1. Prepare Domain for Transfer:
   • Ensure domain is unlocked at current registrar
   • Disable privacy protection temporarily
   • Obtain authorization/EPP code from current registrar
   • Verify admin email address is correct
2. Initiate Transfer in Xenum Hosting:
   • Log in to Xenum Hosting client area
   • Select “Transfer Domains”
   • Enter domain name and authorization code
   • Complete the payment process
3. Approve Transfer Request:
   • Check admin email for transfer approval request
   • Follow instructions to approve the transfer
   • Wait for transfer to complete (typically 5-7 days)

• Transfer Rejected: Ensure domain is unlocked and not within 60 days of registration or previous transfer
• No Approval Email: Check spam folder or contact current registrar
• Failed Transfer: Verify the authorization code is correct and not expired

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Post-Migration Checklist

1. Test Website Functionality:
   • Check all pages, forms, and interactive elements
   • Test on multiple browsers and devices
   • Verify all images and media files load correctly
2. Test Email Functionality:
   • Send and receive test emails
   • Check email forwarding and autoresponders if used
   • Verify spam filtering is working
3. Update DNS Records if Needed:
   • Set up any custom DNS records (MX, TXT, CNAME) that were on your previous host
   • Verify SSL certificate is working properly
4. Monitor for Issues:
   • Keep an eye on website performance for the first few days
   • Check server logs for any errors

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Need Assistance?

• Support tickets in the client area
• Live chat on our website
• Email at [email protected]