How To Migrate Your Website With Duplicator

Migrating your website can seem daunting, especially when it's from a local install to a live server or between servers. The Duplicator plugin for WordPress simplifies this process significantly. This guide will elaborate on each step required to move your site using Duplicator, ensuring a smooth transition.

Pre-Migration Considerations

Before delving into the migration process, underscore the importance of having recent backups. Should anything go awry during migration, you'll want to ensure you can restore your site to its pre-migration state. Additionally, verify that your server meets the minimum requirements for running your WordPress site, and this includes PHP version, extensions, and server configurations as outlined in the JupiterX Server Requirement.

If you're working with an older site, it's wise to test the migration on a staging environment first. This adds a layer of security by not directly modifying your live site. Also, check for compatibility with the latest version of JupiterX, especially if you've made significant changes or have a customized child theme.

Installing the Duplicator Plugin

1. Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Search for 'Duplicator' and click Install Now.
3. Click Activate after installation completes.

Settings Configuration

Although default settings suffice for most, it's good practice to glance through the General and Packages settings tabs once you've installed Duplicator, particularly if you're using the free version.

Creating A Package

Creating a package involves capturing a snapshot of your site in its current state:

1. Go to the Duplicator area in your WordPress menu.
2. Click Create New.
3. Follow the setup, adding any additional archive or database filters.
4. Proceed through the scan to identify potential issues. Address any warnings as necessary.
5. Build the package, which includes your website files and database.

If any issues arise due to database pathing, such as when using local tools like WAMP, update the MySQL path in Duplicator settings according to the documentation.

Exporting the Package

After creating your package:

1. Download both the installer and the archive files to your local machine.
2. If you're migrating to a new host, make sure the domain resolves to the correct server. For minimum downtime, consider temporary domain mapping techniques.
3. Ensure no existing WordPress installations reside at the migration target directory on your new server.

Importing Your Site

For the migration to the new server or live site:

1. Upload the installer and archive files to the destination directory.
2. Navigate to https://yourdomain.com/installer.php  in your browser.
3. Follow the step-by-step process laid out by Duplicator, starting with the deployment of the installer script.
4. During Step 2, you will be prompted to provide or create a new database for your site.
5. Verify the database details, run the installer, and follow through Steps 3 and 4 for URL updates and finalization.

Post-Migration Steps

1. Log in using your original credentials.
2. Save your Permalinks twice to flush URL settings.
3. Test the website thoroughly. Look for any broken links or missing assets.
4. Clear any cache from your server or caching plugins to prevent old content from being served.

Important Notice:

If you encounter permission issues or if the browser limits your package upload size, refer to the Duplicator documentation on how to navigate these challenges. Keep in mind, the free version of Duplicator has a file size limit for migration. Larger sites may require the premium version.

Final Thoughts

Migrating a website might seem like a technical challenge, but with the right tools and careful preparation, it can be managed efficiently. The Duplicator plugin is designed to replicate your site and deploy it seamlessly onto new servers or hosting environments, aligning with WordPress best practices for migration and data handling.

Whether you're a seasoned developer or a site owner looking to move to a new host, the Duplicator plugin provides an excellent balance of accessibility and power, enabling you to migrate with confidence.

Useful Resources

• Duplicator User Guide
• Troubleshooting