Tips for website and post moves
Moving your website and email to a new provider can be a major challenge. There are many aspects to consider to ensure a smooth transition. In this blog post, we outline the steps you can follow to ensure the move goes smoothly.
Take an inventory
Before you start the move, you should make an inventory of all aspects that need to be transferred. This includes not only the website files, but also all necessary email accounts, associated settings and any special configurations. Think about the PHP version or ASP.NET version used. Some databases and their configuration and whether the website uses an SSL-TLS certificate. All these things can be summarized in a checklist that you can tick off and check during the move. This way you avoid forgetting anything or slipping through the cracks.
Request a transfer code and place the order
To move a domain name, you need a transfer code, which you can request from the old host and give us when you place the order. If you want to leave your website and your mails with the old hoster to avoid downtime as far as possible, you can select the Comes later option instead of the transfer code. This way, the domain name is not transferred immediately and you have the option to set everything up as you wish. Also make sure that you order the new hosting environment in good time so that everything is ready for the migration. And you don't have to rush to get this done before a short deadline.
DNS remains with the old provider for the time being
To prevent your website and emails from being temporarily unavailable during the move, it is advisable to leave the DNS settings unchanged for the time being. Only adjust them once all files have been transferred to the new server and tested. Our name servers are easy to change via the customer panel under DNS. And can be changed at the touch of a button. After that, you always have to wait for the DNS to be updated. This can take 3 to 6 hours for a European domain. And up to 24 hours for a .com domain.
Email import with our simple tool
We offer handy tools that allow you to easily import your emails from the old server to the new environment. Use these tools to ensure a smooth transfer of your email accounts. Simply create your e-mail addresses in our customer area, log in to our webmail and import the mail and folder structure by connecting to the current data of the old partner. It is best to import as soon as possible after the move so that you lose as little mail as possible.
Setting up and testing the website files
As soon as the migration code has been transmitted and the new hosting environment is ready, you can start transferring your website files. Upload all files to the new server and thoroughly test that the website is working correctly before changing the DNS settings. To do this, simply change your host file to our IP address. This will allow you to view the website as it is on your local computer. Correct any errors if necessary.
Completion and final tests
Once you have transferred all the data and tested the functionality of the website and email accounts, it is time to carry out the final checks. Check that all settings have been configured correctly and make any necessary adjustments before finally switching to the new hosting environment. Activation of an SSL certificate is only possible after the DNS has been switched over, so the website may not be accessible for a while if an SSL certificate is enforced in the website. So take this into account.
With these steps you should be able to move your website and emails smoothly to our hosting provider. Don't forget to keep the checklist handy during the move and if you need help with this, you can always create a ticket with the helpdesk.
