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expressionengine

How do I move ExpressionEngine (EE) to another server?

What are the best steps to take to prevent bugs and/or data loss in moving servers?

EDIT: Solved, but I should specify I mean in the typical shared hosting environment e.g. DreamHost or GoDaddy.

Solution

  • The EE User Guide offers a reasonably extensive guide to Moving ExpressionEngine to Another Server and if you follow all of these steps then you will have everything you need to try again if any bugs or data loss occur.

    1. Verify Server Compatibility
    2. Synchronize Templates
    3. Back-up Database and Files
    4. Prepare the New Database
    5. Copy Files and Folders
    6. Verify File Permissions
    7. Update database.php
    8. Verify index.php and admin.php
    9. Log In and Update Paths
    10. Clear Caches

    As suggested by Bitmanic, a dynamic config.php file helps with moving environments tremendously. Check out Leevi Graham's Config Bootstrap for a quick and simple solution. This is helpful for dev/staging/prod environments too!