Migrate an Old Website Using a New Server and Data Disk

You can migrate an old website to a new server and data disk with speed and safety by using a careful process. Many migrations face problems—83% of projects experience data loss or downtime. When choosing a new hosting location, Hong Kong hosting offers excellent connectivity for Asian markets with low latency and robust infrastructure. Migration tools like Duplicator, Migrate Guru, and UpdraftPlus help reduce migration risks, especially when moving to Hong Kong-based servers. You gain more speed and reliability by automating tasks and transferring only what you need.

Key Takeaways

• Always back up your website files and databases before starting the migration. This protects your data and allows for recovery if something goes wrong.
• Choose a reliable hosting provider with strong security features and good support. This ensures your new server can handle your website’s needs effectively.
• Test your website thoroughly after migration. Check that all files, databases, and functionalities work correctly to avoid issues for your users.
• Lower your DNS TTL before migration to speed up the transition to your new server. This helps minimize downtime and ensures a smooth switch.
• Use migration tools to automate tasks and reduce errors. Tools like Duplicator and Migrate Guru can simplify the process and save time.

Prepare to Migrate Website

Backup Files and Database

You should always start with a complete backup before you migrate website data. Backups protect your files, databases, and configurations from loss. If you skip this step, you risk losing important files, database entries, or even breaking your website. Use your hosting provider’s backup tools or export files manually with FTP and database export features.

Tip: Store your backup in a safe location that is separate from your main hosting account. This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

A simple checklist for backup preparation:

• Back up all website files, databases, and configurations.
• Gather DNS records, including MX, TXT, CNAME, and A records.
• Document email account settings and third-party service connections.
• Ensure you have admin access to your email service provider.

Choose Hosting and Data Disk

Selecting the right hosting provider and data disk for your new server is a key step. You want a host that offers strong security, enough storage, and reliable support. The table below shows what to look for:

You should also compare costs. Larger disk space and higher bandwidth increase your monthly fees. Some plans include daily backups and SSL certificates, but these features can raise the price. Always check for hidden fees before you choose a plan for your new server.

Set Up Temporary or Shared Backup Location

A temporary or shared backup location can make your migration smoother. You can use a cloud drive, a separate server, or a shared network folder. This lets you move files between your old host and your new server without delays.

Note: Assign tasks to specific team members and create a migration plan with clear timelines. Involve key stakeholders early to avoid confusion.

You should also take inventory of all third-party services and internal links. This helps you avoid missing important connections during the move. Test your backup files in the temporary location to make sure everything copies correctly before you migrate website data to the new server.

Migrate an Old Website Without Losing Data

Export Database

You need to export your website database to migrate an old website without losing data. This step protects your content, user information, and settings. You can use tools like phpMyAdmin, MySQL Workbench, or command-line utilities. Always create a backup before you start the export process.

Regular backups safeguard your site against accidental data loss and corruption. They help you maintain data availability and integrity. Many organizations require regular backups to meet regulations.

Follow these steps to export your database safely:

• Log in to your hosting control panel or database management tool.
• Select the database you want to export.
• Choose the export option (usually “Export” or “Dump”).
• Pick the format (SQL is the most common).
• Save the exported file to your backup location.

You should test your backup by restoring it to a test environment. This step ensures your export works and your data stays intact. Consistent backups minimize downtime and keep your site running smoothly. Automated testing of backups can help you avoid manual errors and ensure your backup quality.

Sync Website Files

After you export your database, you need to migrate and sync data from your old server to your new one. This step includes all your website files, images, scripts, and configuration files. You want to use reliable tools to avoid missing files or causing downtime.

Here are some recommended tools for syncing website files:

• Rsync: This command-line tool works well for transferring files between servers. It only copies changed files, which saves time.
• Movebot: This user-friendly tool supports over 30 storage platforms. It helps you move large amounts of data securely and efficiently.
• Rclone: This free tool works for smaller migrations. It requires some technical skill and may not suit very large websites.

You can use Rsync for remote transfers. Add progress and compression flags to speed up the process. Automate Rsync with cron jobs if you need regular syncs or backups.

Example Rsync command:

rsync -avz --progress /source-folder/ user@newserver:/destination-folder/

Test your files on the new server before you update DNS or go live. This step helps you catch missing files or broken links early.

Update Credentials and Settings

When you migrate an old website, you must update your configuration files to match your new server and database credentials. This step ensures your site connects to the right database and works as expected.

You should use environment variables to store sensitive information like database usernames and passwords. Load these variables in your configuration file with a library such as phpdotenv if you use PHP. This method keeps your credentials secure and easy to manage.

A typical configuration update includes:

• Setting the new database host, name, user, password, and port.
• Updating file paths to match your new server structure.
• Checking for hardcoded URLs or IP addresses and replacing them with your new server details.

Sample environment variable setup:

DB_HOST=your_new_host
DB_NAME=your_new_database
DB_USER=your_new_user
DB_PASS=your_new_password
DB_PORT=3306

Update your website files to load these variables. Test your site to confirm all connections work. If you run a large website, consider using migration plugins like Duplicator Pro. These tools automate many steps and reduce the risk of errors.

By following these steps, you can migrate an old website without losing data. Careful planning and reliable tools help you avoid downtime and keep your site safe during the move.

Migrate a Live Website and Update DNS

Migrating a live website to a new server requires careful planning to avoid downtime and keep your visitors happy. You want your site to go live on the new server as smoothly as possible. Follow these steps to make the process safe and efficient.

Reduce DNS TTL

Start by lowering your DNS TTL (Time to Live) at least 24 hours before you migrate a live website. TTL tells the internet how long to remember your DNS records. A shorter TTL, like 300 seconds (5 minutes), helps changes spread quickly when you go live on the new server.

Steps to reduce DNS TTL:

1. Log in to your DNS provider’s dashboard.
2. Find the main DNS records for your domain.
3. Set the TTL value to 300 seconds or the lowest allowed.
4. Save your changes.

Lowering TTL early gives you more control. If you need to switch back, you can do it fast.

Switch DNS Records

When you are ready to go live, update your DNS records to point to the new server. This step sends visitors to your new site. To minimize downtime, follow these best practices:

1. Back up your current DNS settings and record all values.
2. Schedule the switch during off-peak hours.
3. Check for services that depend on DNS, like email or third-party apps.
4. Import your DNS zone to the new provider and verify all records.
5. Test your site on the new server before you go live.
6. Update the A record or nameservers at your domain registrar.
7. Keep your old hosting active until you confirm the migration works.
8. Watch for any issues as traffic moves to the new server.
9. Restore TTL to normal after everything works.

Always test your website on the new server before you update DNS. This step helps you catch problems before users see them.

Monitor Propagation

After you switch DNS records, you need to monitor DNS propagation. This process can take from 15 minutes up to 72 hours, but most changes finish in 24-48 hours. Use online tools to check if your site points to the new server everywhere.

Tip: Keep your old hosting running during propagation. This ensures no downtime while users reach your new server.

By following these steps, you can migrate a live website and go live on your new server with little risk. Careful testing and monitoring help you deliver a smooth experience for your visitors.

Post-Migration Checks

Test Site Functionality

You need to test your website after migration to make sure everything works as expected. Start by monitoring key checkpoints. Check that files transferred correctly, applications load, and databases connect without errors. Test core functionality by loading important pages, submitting forms, and running workflows that match real user actions. You should verify that all files, databases, and configurations transferred completely. Run consistency checks on your databases.

Tip: Always test navigation links, forms, and third-party integrations like payment gateways. Make sure custom scripts and plugins work as intended.

Use this checklist to guide your testing:

1. Verify data completeness by comparing the new server’s contents to your backup.
2. Test all applications and services for proper operation.
3. Monitor server performance metrics such as latency and load times.
4. Use data integrity verification tools to check for file corruption.
5. Confirm that backup systems are operational.

Troubleshoot Issues

After migration, you may encounter common issues like 404 errors, missing metadata, or performance drops. URL structure changes can cause 404 errors when users try to access pages that no longer exist. Loss of metadata, such as alt-text and meta descriptions, can hurt SEO and accessibility. Performance may suffer if the site does not perform well in real-world conditions.

Note: Monitor analytics tools to spot issues quickly. Remove blocks from the staging site and validate performance.

Confirm Data Integrity

You must confirm data integrity to ensure your website migration succeeded. Perform data integrity checks by comparing original files and databases with migrated versions using checksums like md5sum. Validate media files, images, and PDFs for completeness. Review database tables for missing or corrupted data. Test dynamic features such as user login, search, and e-commerce transactions.

• Data profiling helps you spot duplicates, missing values, or inconsistencies.
• Use a backup and recovery plan to roll back if problems arise.
• Conduct validation checks at every stage to catch mismatches.
• Incremental migration reduces the risk of large-scale errors.

🛡️ Careful post-migration checks protect your site from hidden issues and ensure a smooth experience for your users.

You can migrate your website smoothly by following four main steps: prepare, migrate, update DNS, and verify. Always back up your files and test your site to avoid data loss. Use migration tools and checklists for a faster, safer process. Successful migrations share these best practices:

• Share a clear roadmap with your team.
• Communicate often.
• Audit your site before and after going live.
• Stay flexible for unexpected issues.

For advanced migrations, you can explore resources like WP Migrate, WP Engine Automated Migration, and fully managed migration services.

FAQ

How long does it take to migrate a website to a new server?

Most migrations finish in a few hours. The time depends on your website size and internet speed. You can speed up the process by preparing backups and testing your new server before you start.

Do I need to stop my website during migration?

You do not need to stop your website for the whole process. You can keep your old site live until you switch DNS to the new server. This method helps you avoid downtime.

What should I check after moving to a new server?

You should test all pages, forms, and logins. Check if your database connects and loads data. Make sure your files display correctly. Always confirm that your site works as expected after you migrate.

Can I migrate email accounts with my website?

You can migrate email accounts, but you must back up your emails first. Set up your email service on the new server. Test sending and receiving messages before you update DNS records.

What if something goes wrong during migration?

If you face problems, use your backup to restore your website. You can also switch back to your old server while you fix issues. Always keep your backup files safe until you confirm a successful migration.