How to move your WordPress blog to a new domain in 5 steps

by Wolf on October 4, 2009

This post is an update to an earlier one on the same subject. After having moved a few wordpress blogs I think this one is easier to follow.

Please note that all instructions here are assuming that you have cpanel access to your server and that its a fresh installation (read all files on your server will be overwritten)

  1. Install Wordpress  on the new domain
    cpanel > fantastico > Wordpress blog (I’m assuming install into your root folder)
  2. Copy all these folders frok your old domain to your new domain: wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes plus any folders you might have created your self such as reports, images etc. by creating a zip file or using FTP.
  3. Backup old database and import it to the new database
    create a backup of your database cpanel > backups > (under Download a MySQL Database Backup) wrdp1 > (save to your PC) wrdp1.sql.gz
  4. Update the database with you new domain name.
    Goto new database cpanel > phpmyadmin > yr-username_wpdp1 > SQL tab
    issue these actions one at a time (copy and paste into the SQL window and change domain names then click GO):
    UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = ‘http://www.new-domain.com’ WHERE option_name = ‘home’ OR option_name = ’siteurl’;
    UPDATE wp_posts SET guid = ‘http://www.new-domain.com’;
    UPDATE wp_posts SET post_content = ‘http://www.new-domain.com’;
    Plesase note that the URL in the above 3 commands needs to be with or without www depending on how you use you domain name, if uncertain then run the with and without the www.
    UPDATE wp_options SET option_value =  ‘/your-absolute path/wp-content/uploads”) WHERE option_name = ‘upload-path’
    Example for your path: /home/handsonim/public_html. After you have completed this I would recommend to browse the table wp_options (using phpmyadmin) and just check if there are any other values that might need changing.
  5. Update forwarders
    First test that your new site is working then forward your old domain name to your new domain to ensure people still find your site cpanel > Redirects (after the >> enter http://yr-new-domain.com) and choose as a permanent forward since this will ensure that browsers update their bookmarks also.

Also make sure your new site will be indexed by Google.

Do you need a detailed receipe for this procedure? As a member you can get your receipe, check out our membership page now.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Caitlin Reynolds October 4, 2009 at 3:26 pm

@Wolf, Thanks buddy this is really a big help to me. I’ve been search articles like this on the net and I’m glad I’ve found your post. Keep it up.

Wolf October 5, 2009 at 10:05 am

Thanks Caitlin, please note that I have added a link at the end of this post to ensure your new site is being indexed.

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