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Migrating Web Contents, Files and Databases

Migrating Web Contents Files and Databases is a critical step when moving your website to a new server or hosting provider. Whether you're upgrading, switching hosts, or merging platforms, a smooth migration keeps downtime low, data safe, and your site running well. This guide outlines how to manually migrate your website content, files, and databases to Bluehost. Bluehost provides free and premium migration services; however, with this method, you may take charge and move your website immediately. Before You Begin:

  • Understand Your Needs : Consider the complexity of your website and your comfort level with technical procedures. This method is most effective for people who have become used to FTP or cPanel.
  • Gather Credentials : Log-in credentials for your Bluehost account and the control panel (cPanel) of your current hosting provider are both necessary.
  • Backup, Always Backup : You need to create a recent backup of your files in case of unforeseen issues.

Migrate Website Content Yourself​

To manually migrate your website contents:

  1. Create a local copy of your website's files on your computer from your current hosting provider.
  2. Transfer the files to the Bluehost server using our File Manager or an FTP client (FileZilla).

If your website is built with WordPress or another CMS (Content Management System) that makes use of a database, you will also need to complete the following steps:

  1. Back up the database on the old server using phpMyAdmin.
  2. Create a new database on your MySQL Database.
  3. Import the database backup to the Bluehost server.
  4. Update your site's configuration files to reflect your updated database information.

Summary​

This guide explains how to manually migrate your website, including files and databases, to Bluehost. It is intended for users who are comfortable with technical tasks like using cPanel or FTP. The process involves backing up your website, transferring files to Bluehost, and, if your site uses a database (such as with WordPress), exporting and importing the database and updating configuration files. The guide also emphasizes the importance of creating backups before starting and provides links to relevant Bluehost help articles for each step.