[javablues]

I need to move my web sites to another another web host. Moving the files means changing my domain names setttings. Thus, the need for a propagation time. Is there a way which I can possibly reduce site downtime as a result of my host transfer?

[mann3r]

A step by step instruction
1. Back-up database of your current site from your current host
2. Copy all the site files from your current host
3. Change DNS of the domain to point to your new host
4. Upload the files from your old server to your new one via ftp.(you can upload the files even the dns has not propagated as long as you are pointing to a new host)
5. Set-up the database on new server
6. Import the old database to new server, you can use phpmyadmin

[javablues]

While transferring from one host to another may not pose any problem, my concern is the extended downtime because of the change in domain name settings. Long downtime can effect incoming emails using site domain names.

[mann3r]

as for my experience, site transfer can take only at a maximum of 2 days. have not noticed that email problem though

[3cellhosting]

Set up your site on your new host. If using a CMS system then you may have to tweak the config file to work on the site. If the transfer is a straight change then just mirror the site on the new server.

At this point you can change the nameservers on your domain. There will be no down time as you will have two live sites. Any server not yet updated will deliver to old site and updated servers will deliver to the new site. Either way the client sees the same site so longs as you temporarily close forums or uploads.

Hope this helps

David.

[StarLab]

As David said, if you prepare things properly, there will be no downtime.

Upload your files, prepare the database, and setup the email accounts on the new server. If all goes well, the transition will be invisible to the public eye.

I transferred 5 sites last year to a new hosting company. The first one was a bit shaky, but the other 4 went as described above.

The only thing you need to watch for is if you are switching from a Windows server to a Linux server. The Windows server I used to be on didn't care about case sensitivity in regard to File and Directory names, whereas Linux cares a great deal. I had to rename a few things for the transition to work. (EG: /Images vs. /images)

[harsha]

i dont think you ll b efacing any problems as transferring will take only take 2 to 3 days of time thats it