The Tech Block

tech tips from tim the techie

How to Migrate from Shared Hosting to VPS

Shared hosting is usually the first option for companies and people that are just starting their business. While it is great in the beginning, upgrading to a VPS is the next logical step once the pages outgrow their initial user base size and the system requires more resources. Virtual private servers do not limit bandwidth, administration, and performance capabilities; thus, most users choose it to ensure the growth of their companies. Windows and Linux VPS operate on their respective OS but moving to them is equally easy and simple.

Signs that you should consider migrating to VPS

Some people may be unsure whether they should keep their servers on shared hosting, or transfer to a better option. Here are some clues that show that it is time to upgrade:

  • Your pages take a long time to load,
  • Visitors keep receiving Error 509 (Bandwidth Limit Exceeded),
  • You can’t run additional software because of limited resources,
  • Website traffic (or the business) is growing exponentially.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, migration is the next step.

(Optional) Transfer your domain to a domain registrar

Although it is not required, transferring the domain name is advised as it will save some time and resources. You can either send it to the registrar or the chosen Windows/Linux VPS hosting provider. This makes sure that the domain name is safe and operational during the migration process.

Export your website database and download site files

The first (or second step) is to transfer all your data to a secure storage before making any irreversible changes. If the site uses a control panel, like cPanel, Plesk, or any other, a simple backup can be done with various wizards and restoration interfaces. This will keep the files secure if something happens during the transfer to the selected Windows or Linux VPS and will be helpful in the future.

There is an option to export databases manually. To do so, you have to log in to the control panel that is used for shared hosting and navigate to phpMyAdmin that is located within the dashboard. In cPanel it is under the category labeled “Databases section”, and in Plesk, it is named “WebAdmin” and is found by selecting “Websites & Domains tab”, then “Functions”, then “Databases”. Just select the database that contains the website and export it. You will get a .SQL file with all the data.

Upload the files and database to a new VPS

The next step is to move the information to your Windows, Linux VPS. Set up the hosting account and transfer the data from the backup. This can be done by opening phpMyAdmin, clicking “New Database” and selecting “Import”. Then you need to find the .SQL file created earlier and choose “Go”.

Point your IP address to the new server

The final step is to change the value assigned to the A record (IP address) in your DNS provider so that it points to the new server. This can be done by emailing a request to the domain name registrar.

Additional steps

If you want to ensure a smooth transition to a new Windows or Linux VPS, some further things can be done. These are:

  • Connecting to SSH (log into your server);
  • Changing the default root password. Use a different one for each service;
  • Automating repetitive system tasks;
  • Setting up automatic backups.

Just follow these common practices and the transition will be seamless.

Migrating to a VPS is not that hard, just follow the steps provided here. This upgrade to a virtual private server is beneficial as these services provide a secure, isolated environment for your system without resource limitations. The website growth is not hindered which is great for the success of the business.
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