Moving an existing WordPress website to DataPacket is usually a straightforward process. Your website consists of two main parts: your WordPress files and your database. Both need to be moved to your new web hosting account.
Back Up Your Existing WordPress Website
Before making any changes, create a complete backup of your current website.
Your backup should include:
- Your WordPress files
- Your WordPress database
- Themes and plugins
- Uploaded images and other media
Do not cancel your old hosting account until your website has been moved and you have confirmed that everything is working correctly at DataPacket.
Set Up WordPress at DataPacket
Log in to your Plesk control panel and click Websites & Domains.
Find the domain you want to use, click the Get Started tab, and then click WordPress.
Follow the instructions in Plesk to install WordPress.
If you are manually moving your existing WordPress installation, you may also upload your existing WordPress files instead of starting with a new installation.
Move Your WordPress Database
Your WordPress database contains important information such as your pages, posts, website settings, users, and other site data.
Export the database from your old hosting provider using phpMyAdmin or the database management tools provided by your old host.
Next, log in to Plesk at DataPacket and go to:
Databases → phpMyAdmin
Select the database for your website and import the database file you exported from your old hosting provider.
If you created a new database, make sure the database name, username, and password in your WordPress wp-config.php file match the database information shown in Plesk.
Move Your WordPress Files
You will also need to copy your WordPress files from your old hosting provider to DataPacket.
You can upload these files using Plesk File Manager or an FTP client.
Your WordPress files should be placed in the document root for your domain.
An Easier Option: Use a WordPress Migration Plugin
If you are not comfortable manually moving files and databases, a WordPress migration plugin can make the process easier.
Plugins such as All-in-One WP Migration can package your existing WordPress website and allow you to import it into a new WordPress installation.
Another option is to use a WordPress backup plugin that supports restoring your website to another server.
Always keep a separate backup of your website before beginning a migration.
Check Your Website Before Changing DNS
Whenever possible, check that your files and database have been moved correctly before directing your domain to the new server.
Make sure important parts of the website are working, including:
- Pages and posts
- Images
- Menus
- Contact forms
- Plugins
- WordPress administrator login
If the website uses an online store or other interactive features, test those as well.
Point Your Domain to DataPacket
Once the website has been moved, your domain needs to point to your DataPacket hosting account.
If your domain is registered with DataPacket, you can manage its DNS through your account.
If your domain is registered somewhere else, you will need to update its DNS settings through your domain registrar.
Depending on your setup, this may involve changing your domain's nameservers or updating its DNS records.
DNS changes are not always instant. It can take some time for changes to update across the Internet, so your old hosting account should remain active during this period.
Test Your Website Again
After your domain begins loading from DataPacket, test the website again.
Check several pages, images, forms, plugins, and other important features. You should also log in to the WordPress dashboard and make sure you can edit and publish content normally.
Once you have confirmed that the website is loading from DataPacket and everything is working correctly, the migration is complete.
Need Help Moving Your WordPress Website?
If you run into a problem while moving your WordPress website to DataPacket, contact our support team. We can also move your WordPress website to DataPacket for you. Just contact us with the details of your current hosting account, and our team can help you get your website moved over.
