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If you out grow your current web hosting company or the service offers is somewhat lacking, you may find yourself looking to change hosting providers. It can be scary to think about for first timers however it is a relatively easy process. Here are some things you should keep in mind that will help make the transition to the new host much easier.
1. Backup all of your files and databases
Before you decide to transfer anything over, you need to create a backup of every file and database you have on the current hosting provider's server. FTP into your current hosting account and copy all of the files from your public_html directory into a directory on your local hard drive that you'll find easy to remember later.
As for the database, backup methods will vary according to the database vendor, the control panel being used by the host if any, and the operating system of the server. Most providers provide a backup utility that allows you to save a copy of the contents of all of your database tables. If there isn't a simple backup utility available, you will need to export the contents of your database in a comma delimited file or the standard file format for the particular database you use. Most backup utilities will convert the database into one long SQL file that is then easy for any compatible database engine to reconstruct.
2. Upload files to new web host
When you signup at your new web hosting company and recieve the welcome email it will contain your login information and a temporary url for testing your web site. Databloc provides a temporary url like http://123.123.123.123/~username which will allow you to do this. Upload your files first and then re-create any databases.
3. Transfering to the new server
Make sure that your website is functioning properly at the new location before you change the DNS information of your domain name. While it may not be possible to fully navigate the site without the domain name pointing to it, you can still point to some individual pages (using the temporary url http://123.123.123.123/~username) to be sure they will come up. You can use this address until the DNS information from the domain propagates throughout the web.
4. Switching it over
Updating your domain's nameservers is the most important part of transferring your web site. This will point your domain name to the new web hosts network so that it will access your new files on the new server. To do this you will need to login to your registrar or with your old web hosting provider and update the name servers (Datablocs are ns1.databloc.com and ns2.databloc.com).
5. Tidy up the loose ends
Within a few hours, your website will be served from the new server and not the old one. Make sure you confirm all parts of your web site are working smoothly. Once you can confirm this, it is safe to ask the old web hosting company to delete and discontinue your old account.
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