support.hostaan.com

WordPress migration using Prime Mover

WordPress site migration is easiest done using plugins designed for this purpose. Such plugins include Updraftplus, Prime Mover, or All-in-One WP Migration.

The operating principle in these plugins is practically identical:

- For the migration, a plugin is installed on the site that creates a migration file.

- The migration file is downloaded to your own computer.

- WordPress and the same plugin are installed on the service where the pages are being imported.

- The migration file is uploaded to the new installation and the plugin performs the final installation of the site.

Below, the migration process is described in more detail with example images. The plugin used in this example is Prime Mover. (https://wordpress.org/plugins/prime-mover/)

First of all, check the PHP version used by the site to be migrated. This is of paramount importance for the error-free operation of the site on its new platform as well. You can check the PHP version from within WordPress using the menu path: Tools -> Site Health -> Info -> Server.

After this, check other site settings such as permalink structure (Settings -> Permalinks) and general settings (Settings -> General). You should save these settings either as a screenshot or write them down in a note. The settings are generally copied correctly during the migration, but all plugins are not always able to do this without problems. It's always worth checking them after the migration just in case.

Once you have recorded the PHP version and site settings, install the Prime Mover plugin on the site to be migrated:

Site import and export with the plugin are both done from within the "Migration Tools" menu. After installation, go to this menu:

When exporting the site from the old platform, select "Export" during the export phase.

In the pop-up window that opens, select all WordPress installation content and export to a regular single site installation. Then press "Export now" and wait while Prime Mover packages your site into a migration file.

Once the site packaging is complete, download the migration file to your computer to wait for export to your new site platform:

Once you have downloaded the migration file to your computer, you can close the old site. Log in to the new WordPress installation and install the same Prime Mover plugin for file import and installation.

NOTE! Now check the PHP version used by the new platform. If the PHP versions don't match, change the PHP version to the same as in the old service. If the exact same PHP version is not available, select the one that is closest but newer (higher version number).

After installation, the import tool can be found in the same "Migration Tools" menu, where this time you select "Restore". In the pop-up window, select the migration file you previously downloaded to your computer from the old site for upload to the server:

Once you have uploaded the migration file to the server, Prime Mover performs a quick check on the migration file and reports the estimated duration of the restore. At this point, it's worth checking that you definitely uploaded the correct file and that it's a full site restore. Then click "Yes" and wait patiently for the site installation to complete.

When the site migration is complete, the plugin first asks you to check the site's permalink structure. Go check that the setting matches the old site's settings and then save the changes even if they are correct.

After this, check the other settings as well to ensure they match the old site's settings. After this, you can clean up by removing the Prime Mover plugin.