Certain WordPress configurations or servers could present unique issues when it comes to transferring content. While this article will address a unique scenario (namely, that you need to move a portion or all of your WordPress installation content), There’s no assurance that the methods described here will work with each setup.
It’s a given that you’re the sole person responsible for your website’s performance, regardless of whether you follow this advice to the letter. There’s some database work to be done based on what you wish to accomplish, or if you erase a large portion of your site, it’s your responsibility. In essence, be cautious with this!
To help you with this post, I’ve made two distinct localhost instances that use WordPress to give you photos of each process. Try to transfer your content to the test site in order to verify that it’s working.
In that regard, I’d suggest making backups of your entire website at this moment. Of course, you do this frequently, don’t you? (If not, then you ought to. Get to it.)
If you’re planning to accomplish this by hand, ensure that you include your database as well as website files (primarily since this is the Uploads folder on your website).
Backing Up Files
You can make and download the ZIP file of your website files through FTP. How to do this differs according to the FTP client but is usually quite simple. Be sure to save and download your backup’s compressed file exactly like a backup.
Backing Up Your Database
Log into the phpMyAdmin account and choose the database where WordPress can be installed.
Choose Export from the menu at the top. For the majority of users, “Quick” options will suffice. If you have tables other than those in the WordPress installation that you wish to backup in the same database, select “Custom to choose the tables you want to backup; all other options are left unaffected. Then, you can click to go to download your backup database file (.sql file format).
Your WordPress tables are prefixed “wp_” by default – since I have two installations in the same database, mine are actually prefixed wpmudev_export and wpmudev_import. Here, I’m backing up the wpmudev_export files.
It’s hoped that these backups will not be required, but it’s best to make sure prior to beginning work. If the website to which you’re migrating data contains content, make sure you back up that site as well.
With the precautions out of the way, let’s go to work!
Changing Your WordPress Installation’s URL? Or Transferring a Whole Site?
If you want to switch your website to a new URL or need to transfer everything from one system to a different one, the good reason is that you’ve chosen the easiest alternative. WordPress’s tools for import and Export are perfect for your needs, so there’s no need for something too difficult underneath the under the hood.
Here’s how you can transfer everything of your WordPress content including pages, images and posts, files, and everything else – onto the new WordPress installation.
In fact, it’s easier to set up a new WordPress installation on your new web server (or the new server) and then Export or import rather than alter the settings of your files. If you prefer to go that route, you can; the WordPress Codex can recommend it. Your WordPress installation should be current with the most recent WordPress version, so it shouldn’t be a problem. However, If it’s not, make sure to upgrade your existing WordPress installation first. If you are unable to upgrade for any reason – like using the same plugin that’s not compatible with the latest versions, your new install could be an older version. It’s not suggested, as several older versions of WordPress contain serious security issues.
How to Move Content From One WordPress Site to Another
Export From Your Old Installation
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WordPress’s own Export Tool.
Visit Your WordPress dashboard and click Export from the Tools section. Export option in your Tools section.
Since you’re exporting everything, it’s easy to Keep the All Content option on the menu and click the Download Export File button.
An XML file will then be generated. Make sure to keep it in a secure location and then transfer it to the installation you’re moving.
Install the Importer
The image alt=”WordPress Importer Options.” src=”https://wpmudev.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/wordpress-importers.png”/>
The WordPress importer’s screen.
When you are on the latest WordPress setup, navigate time in Tools; however, this time, select the Import option.
Then, you will be presented with an importer list, of which you can choose WordPress. WordPress option.
Choose Download Now, and then wait for the importer to install and download.
If all goes well, then click on Activate the Plugin & Run Importer on the next screen.
You’re now prepared to import the XML file you created earlier will be used.
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