Switching To A New Hosting Server

You always have the right to change your web host provider whenever you want. Sometimes your current host provider’s equipment becomes outdated and you end up with a lot of site down time. Then perhaps another reason is, you have just found a cheaper host. If you have paid your current host by the year, you should make sure that you did not lock yourself into a yearly contract and will not be able to get your unused money back.

Changing an established site to another host provider is not all that easy of a task. Its not that it is extremely technical but it is time consuming. Often less than professional host providers take advantage of this. Knowing that people don’t want the extra work of moving. So they can continue to run their less than optimum service. When you do decide to move, there will be some down time that you must be prepared to live with . You are going to need some guidance with your move. Often the new host providers will assist in any way they can.

Step One: Firstly, you need to download all current files used in your web site including graphics, html files etc that may be used in your site. Also make sure when you are transferring your files you may want to keep the directory structure exactly as it is on your web server. Ideally, it is better to plan the transfer process at least one month before you terminate your old web hosting plan, this will give you sufficient time to perform a smooth transfer. If you try to transfer in less than one month time frame, may probably put your website in risk of inaccessible.

Step Two: Domain Name Change Remember when you choose your new web host to ensure they have everything your site needs to operate at its optimum level. It would be wise for you to handle your own name transfer. Reason being, you need to get your files transferred before the domain name. The new hosting accounts are usually set up within a 24 hour period so you need to make sure your files are transferred then do your domain name switch.

Step Three: While you are waiting for your new web hosting account to be ready, you need to take a backup all your web files on the old web hosting provider. Make sure you take a backup of anything and everything you can. Try and save at least 2 copies one for you to work with, and the other as an archive. It is advisable not to underestimate how easy it is to make a copy of these files because it is possible you may just simply mess it up. You may already have all the files of your website on your local computer; however, it is always advisable to backup all your files from the old web server. You can also create a directory structure that is similar to the old one on your web server and download the files into the respective directory.

Step Four: Before you make changes to your domain name, make sure you load up all the files to your new host using temporary login information. Most hosts do provide temporary login information prior to your domain name resolving to the new account. Even though they won’t really work yet, you can still go ahead and set up all the email accounts that are used on your domain. Do not forget to create a “catchall” address just in case you miss out someone – at least their email will not bounce back.

Step Five: It doesn’t matter what registrar you used to register your domain, you can initiate the name change. Technically speaking the only thing that changes in your record is the name server information. Updating the technical contact info on your domain name record to your new host is also a good idea, although that is not mandatory.

Step Six: Confirmation You must receive at least one confirmation email for you name change. You will note the change somewhere between 24-48 after the change. It will take the same time for all DNS servers to note your new domain location. This is called a propagation period. Once this is all in place you can cancel the services of the prior host.

Looking to find the best deal on Green Geek Hosting, then visit www.webhostingreviews4u.com to find the best advice on Web Hosting for you.

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