Switching to a new host can be a complicated process. However, we will help you every step of the way. Follow our steps to ensure that your move is smooth and painless.
The first step is to order one of our Web Packages, or Hosting Plans. Make sure to NOT cancel with your old hosting provider, and do not tell them you will be canceling. Keep this a secret from your old host, or they could prematurely terminate your site and cause downtime.
At this point, you should have hosting accounts with two hosting providers (the old and the new one). You will now migrate your entire site from the old host to the new one. This can be done by connecting to the old host's FTP and downloading all your files, and then by connecting to the new host's FTP and uploading all your files (maintain the same file and folder structure). If you choose to make NCwebservice your new host, we will help transfer your entire site over!
You must also backup any databases on the old host (contact the old host for instructions) and upload the backup files to the new host via FTP. You must then restore your databases from those backup files; this can be done via SSH or cPanel's phpMyAdmin. Emails do not normally transfer, but you can archive your emails from the old host. You can accomplish this by making a POP3 connection to each email address; this way all the old emails are downloaded to your local computer. The new host will not have those old emails, but the new host will be able to get new emails.
Sites We Cannot Transfer
We cannot transfer from hosts that do not allow access to your website files (typically by FTP) and/or databases and/or the data in those databases. Without access, we cannot copy and transfer your site.
If FTP and databases are accesable and you choose to make NCwebservice your new host, we will help transfer your entire site (files and databases) over! If your old host used cPanel, we may be able to transfer emails as well. If FTP and databases are not accessable don't worry, we can design your webpage from scratch with a new and modern look!
After you have a copy of your site on both hosting accounts, it is time to change your domain name's DNS....
After you have all your files on both hosting accounts, it is time to change your domain name's DNS. NCwebservice DNS name servers are ns1.ncwebservice.com and ns2.ncwebservice.com
Go to the company where you purchased your domain name to make the change. If you purchased your domain name from your old host, you usually need to ask them to make the DNS changes for you. You can tell them something similar to, "Hello. My domain with you is _____.___ ; please, change my domain name's name servers to ns1.ncwebservice.com and ns2.ncwebservice.com ."
Once your DNS changes have been made, you will need to wait 48 hours (two days) before your site will load from the new host. During this 48 hour period, your DNS is propagating world wide and your site will be randomly loading from either the old host or the new host. Once the two days is complete, your site will only be loading from the new host.
After the 48 hours have passed, your updated DNS will be fully functional. You will now contact your old host and cancel your hosting account with them. If you originally bought your domain name from the old host, do not cancel your domain registration.
If you completed all the above steps, you have successfully switched hosts with no downtime at all!
You may also choose to transfer your Domain Name but it is not necessary. But if you do we have a detailed article on that as well. Don't forget we will help you with this process too!
