A Change in hosting.

[TrafficProducer]

A Change in hosting. I'm looking for a new host, the host I use is great, but the charge for the extra storage/bandwidth I'll be requiring make then uneconomical.

I wish to keep the same URL's

What is the correct way to swap/change hosts? Full exact details please.


Thank You

[matauri]

If you have your own domain, you do keep your URL even if you switch hosts. If you dont have a domain then you would be adopting the pathways of your host, and then no you wouldnt be able to keep your URL unless you put a redirect on it (which isnt meant to be used as a permanent solution)

The best way is to find a hosting plan that has the requirements you need. When you sign up you then point the DNS of your domain to your new host.

Its pretty simple. If you have found a good host with good support, you will find that they will help you with any problems you have in moving your site to their service.

[cyanide]

In addition to what Matauri has said.

Most hosts will allow you to upload your website before you make modifications to the nameservers of your domain name.
By utilizing an Ip address as well as username and password they assign, you can upload your site to the new server in order to test your site, so that when you do point your domain to the new host, there won't be any downtime.

I would advise that you don't cancel your current hosting account for atleast a week, to make sure your domain propagates and there are no issues that arise.

[Ravenhawk]

First find a host that fits your needs for space requirements and bandwith and fits your budget.

next set up an account with that new host

next upload your site to the new host most allow you to use an ip for that until your domain resolves.

When you upload your site to the new server make a simple change on the front page different from the old host. This will allow you to know when your site has resolved.

Next loginto your account where you have your domain registered and change your DNS settings to point to your new hosting provider. Your new provider will supply you with the information needed for this.

Now all you need to do is sit back and wait for the domain to resolve it can take anywhere from 5hrs to 48hrs.

Finally once your site has completly resolved cancell you old hosting making sure you have downloaded any and all information from the old server that you wish to keep including but not limited to log files,databases,and any other back-up files.

That should do it now relax and enjoy your new host.