Changing web hosting companies - HOWTO

3. Upload your site files and import your database to the new web hosting server
Once you have your files on your local computer you can start uploading them to the new web hosting server. You should have received the proper FTP login information by your new hosting company, so just configure your FTP program to use the new settings and start uploading the site files to the server.

If you have a backup (archived) file of your site files as obtained in the previous step, you can just upload that file to the new hosting server and then ask the support to unpack it there for you. If an on-line extract utility is available in your new hosting account, you can extract that file on your own.

Once you have uploaded your site files to the server, make sure that all files are located in the proper place, the links and any file paths used there are configured properly.
Also if you have some CGI scripts, make sure they have the proper permissions assigned. If you had some folders used for uploading files, make sure that you have the correct permissions applied there as well.

Then you can proceed with importing your database to the new server if needed. In general if your database is relatively small 2-3MB there will be no problem to import the database using the database management program that you new web hosting company have there. However with larger databases you will need either to use some remote mysql database program as MySQL Front or NaviCat or you will need to contact the new web hosting company support and ask them for assistance. If you have SSH there will be no problem to import as larger database file as you need, though. In any case a tech support assistance may be needed there.

Once the database is imported successfully on the server, you need to make sure that your scripts are configured to use it properly. Most probably the database name will change as well as the database username and password will change. You will need to updated these in your site files where needed. Once you are ready here you can proceed with the next step.

4. Test your site at the new web hosting server.
Once ready with the site files and database migration to the new web hosting server, you are ready to test your site. Usually your new web hosting company will provide you with an URL (a temporary address) where you will be able to test your site before you have pointed your domain name to their hosting server.
Test each aspect and feature of your site. In general everything should be fine, if you encounter any troubles, you can contact the web hosting company tech support for assistance on troubleshooting the issues. Also, please have in mind that some sites which use full URL (e.g. http://www.besthostratings.com/reviews/web_hosting_reviews.html) might not work properly before pointing your domain name to the hosting server.

Once you have confirmed that everything on the new server is working as expected you can proceed to the next step.