Guide for intermediate
In this guide we will explain how to transfer or backup your website created in the CMS WordPress with use of well known addon Duplicator. It is a favorite plugin especially for WordPress backups. But where it truly shines is migration your website to a new server/hosting.
Uses are many, no matter if the WordPress is installed locally, on-line or on testing space or just want to create a copy. The hardest part of the process of creation of the website is relocating the website to the end server.
Information overview
Instead of making a list of every task that we would need to do to transfer WordPress manually, Duplicator will do all for us. It simplifies the whole process into a few quick and easy steps (it is not necessary to create the backups of database, images, plugins and all other settings manually). The best thing is that it is all free!
1. Installing plugin
Duplicator can be installed straight from the administration interface of WordPress on the website you want to migrate from. In the sections Plugin click select Add new and search for Duplicator. You will locate it in the most searched results. Click the Install now.
2. Activation and backups
After installing the plugin we activate it by selecting activate. In the main menu in WordPress (on the left) select Duplicator and then Create new. Available options are Storage, Archive and Installer. Selection is all your, but for the migration we recommend to use the third option, for which you enter the login credentials to the database – Installer. Plugin Duplicator loads the current database, new web address along with all its content to the hosting of the website.
Before creating the backup it is necessary to fulfill few requirements. Ideally if all are in the state “pass” (during migration with us from mostly 90%). If it is not the case and your website is on an external server, contact your hosting provider. Identifying problem in that case is almost impossible from our support. Problems may be many.
2.1. Creating database and entering login details
Before you enter the necessary details to the database, you will first need to create a database on the target website, where you will migrate your website to. Login credentials are important, and you will use them later in the Duplicator. Login credentials to the created database are located in the WebAdmin. Password is not stored there, if you need you can restore it. Version of the database can be obtained in the WebAdmin after selecting the database.
On the screenshot bellow we have created a database a2z6g5uy in the version MariaDB 10.3. Enter the details about your database.
2.2. Downloading backup
Depending on the size the whole scanning process can take from 5 to 30 minutes. After the backup package is created, select Build, that will create the database.
After the backup is complete, download the file by selecting Installer and Archive.
3. Preparing the hosting space for the domain
The next step for connecting to the new hosting is moving your website via FTP. You will need to upload the file installer.php and zip archive (not unpacked) to the directory /web, or in a directory you want to install your website to.
The advantage is that you don’t need to install the WordPress anew on the server. Only thing that the plugin will not do for you is to set up a new database, so this setting has to be done manually. We have created the database in the step 2.1. The login details can be found in the Database > specific database > Login details and other info.
4. Running the installer
Installer is started via the domain, e.g. domain.tld/installer.php. You will see the details as shown on the picture bellow. Ideally all will be checked and you will see the word “Pass” . Before continuing you need to agree with the terms and notices.
In the next step you enter the login to the database like in step 2.1. You will see the screen as bellow that you fill in (on the screenshot we have used the database a2z6g5uy in version MariaDB 10.3 as example):
After all is correctly filled, select Test Database and test must go trough. If there is any mistake , try to upload the zip file again. After the installation is complete, a web page will be displayed with old and new path and URL address for the website. You have an option to change the name of your website, create a new administrator if you wish or set SSL certificate. If you have a problem with certain plugins during the copying, you can forbid them in the “Advanced settings” section. Then you can select “Start update” to update database and finish the website installation.
5. Finishing the process and testing
If you see the notification bellow, we congratulate you! You have successfully moved your website to a new hosting with us. We would recommend to test the whole website functionality.
After you log in to the WordPress administration on the new website, you will have the option to remove the installation files on the top.