Website Design Help

Moving from one host to another can be quite a daunting task for the web administrator. There are several technical and practical reasons why you would need to move hosts when you have a c. Thus, you need make sure that the process of moving hosts and transferring of files is quick, easy and organized.
 
Here is an easy-to-follow guide on how to move hosts:
 
1.  Make it a habit to backup your files.
 
One of the most common problems that webmasters encounter is accidentally losing files or deleting them unintentionally. Without an appropriate backup, you would have to redo the process from the beginning.
 
It is good practice to backup files as soon as you sit down to work on your computer. If you have a plan to move from one host to another, you need to double-backup your database, especially if your database is the backbone of your web site. 
 
The rule of thumb is to make at least two backups of anything important, aside from the main data on your web site and database.  The first set of backup is what you can work with, while the second backup can be filed under your archived list. This practice is especially important when planning a move. The whole process will be tiring and repetitive if you have to start over on a particular part just because you do not have enough backup to work with.  Another instance when it is crucial to back up your files is when updating or adding new files to your database.
 
Consider the following when moving from your current host to a new one:
a.       The new host will have an entirely different control panel. Even if your old host has a backup of all of your files, the new host may not be able to restore everything. To prevent mess-ups from happening, you need to manually download all of your files so that you would have a fallback in case any file cannot be restored by the new host due to incompatibility. 
 
b.       If your server logs are important for your web site, make sure that you back them up. Your old and new host will not have the same process of keeping track of server logs.  As of now, there is no method available which will let you easily transfer information about server logs when you move from one host to another. The best solution thus far is to download all the server log data and employ a log analyzer for you to use after the move. 
 
c.      The old and new host would have a different structural directory. When moving, your files will definitely not be in the same order that it used to be when you were with your old host. To prevent this fact from causing a big problem while moving, you can list down your file directory or file tree. Specifically, note all the pertinent information such as the old server configurations. This would help if you need to switch places from your old and new host. There are two transfer types: American Standard Code  for  Information  Interchange or ASCII; and binary. Both of these are the basic languages which a computer "understands". Use the correct transfer file when moving hosts so as not to cause problems on making your web site work once you finish transferring hosts.
 
2. Let your visitors know about the move.
 
Prior to changing server hosts, inform the visitors of your web site about your plan to transfer from one host to another. The number of people visiting your web site contributes to your success, so they should have a secure knowledge that you are just a click of a button away. It is also a good practice to inform them about any server maintenance, or downtime.  You can also have your visitors participate.  Create an e-mail address where they can report if a particular link is not working. It can also be used for the visitors to provide feedback about your website. As soon as the move is done, post an update so that your visitors would be informed.
 
3. Make a list of the things that you need to do before moving hosts.
 
When moving from one host to another, make a list of the things that you need to do so that you would have a smooth changeover.
 
First, make sure that you have a reliable file transfer protocol program so that the files may be effectively exchanged from the old the new host. Get all the pertinent information about your new host. You would need the temporary URL; your new host server's domain name system or DNS; the server paths and server environment of your new host; and any special programs or module that you need to install before moving hosts.
 
Remember to advise your old host to keep the DNS unless you tell them that you are ready for them to change it. This is especially crucial when it is your old host who controls the domain. It is good to have all this information prepared beforehand so that the process of moving hosts will be done efficiently.
 
4. Schedule the date when you will move hosts and completely change the DNS.
 
Before attempting to move hosts, make a backup of everything. This is so that you would have all the current and updated data. Gradually upload your data, starting from the home page before moving on to the links and smaller details. Once in a while, check the temporary URL provided by your new host so that you can check on your progress. 
 
Once the move is complete, you can change over the DNS. It will take about one to two days for the switch over to be completed. This will be a good time to make some minor modifications if you need to. At this point, you can compare the old and new web pages to check if the DNS was resolved.
 
Do not let go of the old account until you know that the DNS has been resolved. Cancel the old account only when you are sure that everything has been moved. Also make sure that all the communication points and contact methods (i.e. e-mail, traffic) are efficiently directed towards your new host server. Finally, check your old server host for any activity so that you can tie up any loose strings.
 
By following the aforementioned guide, you can quickly and efficiently move from one host to another to further improve your web site and lead to your success.