Changing Your Web Hosting Provider - What You Need to Do
There are different reasons why some individuals or
businesses want to switch to another web hosting provider. It could be because
they need more storage space or greater bandwidth, or perhaps, they are not
satisfied with the customer service.
Some say that it is easier said than done. While changing to
a new web host could sound like a daunting task, it does not have to be
complicated. There are only some things you need to remember:
Keep your
existing account open
You are advised to keep your existing web hosting account
open until the transition process has been completed (this includes email setup
and creation, file transfer, new account setup, DNS modification and
propagation). This way, you can make sure that your domain and website accounts
continue to run during transition.
Opt for a
new host that suits you best
Consider the
following:
Operating Systems (Windows or Linux) - It really depends on
the technologies that your website needs. For instance, when your website
requires Microsoft-specific technologies like ASP, MS ACCESS or MSSQL, you need
to go for a web hosting plan with a Windows-platform.
Disk space
and bandwidth requirements
Create a copy of your
former website by downloading old account files
It is ideal to download files in the same tree structure
where you want to upload it. Search for the files or chmod permissions you want
to set on any file or folder. This is quite an easy task, which can be done
with FTP.
A number of free web hosting companies, though, do not
provide FTP access. This is particularly true when you are using a
Flash/drag-and-drop website creation service for free.
In this case, you cannot download your present web files,
and you need to recreate new web files. Try to find out if your new company
provides a free website creator.
To avoid facing the same problem later on, you have to make
sure that your new company provides FTP access.
Setup the
same email addresses
To make sure that emails are received, you need to retain
the same email addresses, email aliases plus forwarders.
DNS changes
plus propagation
When your web files have been uploaded to the new web
hosting server and email accounts have been recreated, the necessary DNS
changes can be made.
You usually receive your DNS the moment you have signed up
with your new web hosting company. Your new DNS settings will replace your
existing one, which is often done by means of your domain management panel or
domain registrar.
It will take 24 to 48 hours to propagate the new DNS, so in
the meantime, your old web hosting provider will manage your website and email.
For this reason, the last thing you should do is to cancel your old service.
Cancel your
former account
When your new account is activated, and your website as well
as your email services at your web hosting company are functioning, it is the
time to cancel your old account.
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