Troubleshooting WordPress Redirecting to Install.php After Migration

Introduction:

WordPress migration is a common task for website owners looking to move their site to a new server or domain. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues during the migration process, and one frustrating problem is the persistent redirection to “install.php” after completing the migration. This article will explore potential causes and solutions for this issue.

1. Check the Site URL Settings: One of the primary reasons for WordPress redirecting to “install.php” is incorrect Site URL settings. To address this, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to “Settings” > “General.” Ensure that both the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” are correctly set to the new domain or directory. If not, update them accordingly and save changes.
2. Update Permalinks: Permalinks play a crucial role in WordPress, and sometimes, issues arise due to incorrect permalink settings. Navigate to “Settings” > “Permalinks” and choose a different permalink structure. Save changes, and then revert to your preferred format. This can sometimes reset the permalink settings and resolve the redirection problem.
3. Check .htaccess File: The .htaccess file controls various aspects of your site, including URL rewriting. Corrupted or misconfigured .htaccess files can lead to redirection issues. Access your site’s root directory via FTP, and look for the .htaccess file. Make a backup copy and then delete or rename the existing file. Visit your site again, and WordPress should generate a new .htaccess file with default settings.
4. Update wp-config.php: Incorrect configurations in the wp-config.php file may also cause redirection problems. Open the wp-config.php file in the root directory and verify the values for “WP_HOME” and “WP_SITEURL.” Ensure they are correctly set to the new URL. If they are incorrect or missing, add or update them accordingly.
   php

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   define('WP_HOME', 'https://yournewdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://yournewdomain.com');

5. Check for Hardcoded URLs: If you migrated the site manually or some URLs were hardcoded in theme files or database, it could lead to redirection issues. Use a search tool to check for instances of the old URL in your database and theme files. Replace any occurrences with the new URL.
6. Clear Browser Cache: Cached redirects in your browser could be causing the issue. Clear your browser cache and try accessing the site again. Additionally, try accessing the site from a different browser or device to rule out browser-related problems.
7. Plugin Compatibility: Some plugins may not be fully compatible with the new environment, leading to redirection problems. Deactivate all plugins and reactivate them one by one to identify if a specific plugin is causing the issue. Consider updating or finding alternatives for incompatible plugins.

Conclusion:

WordPress migration can be a complex process, and encountering redirection issues to “install.php” can be frustrating. By systematically checking and adjusting settings such as URL configurations, permalinks, .htaccess files, and plugin compatibility, you can often resolve the problem and ensure a smooth transition to your new WordPress environment. If the issue persists, seeking assistance from your hosting provider or WordPress community forums can provide additional insights and solutions.