How to Transfer Your Site

Moving your site is much like moving to a new house. You have to pack your things, make sure your house is ready and then move in and unpack! The instructions below are guidelines for a perfect move and we realize that not all moves will be perfect.

If you need help with moving your site, please open a help desk ticket or call us, and we will be happy to help you.
 
 
STEP ONE: BACK UP YOUR SITE
You, or your web designer, should have a copy of the original site, but just in case, make a backup of what your site looks like now. Download everything on your website to your local computer or a CD-ROM, or use the backup option inside your web control panel. 

STEP TWO: OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH US
Choose a new web hosting package, and Sign up for a new hosting account on our web packages page. We will verify your order, and after we receive payment, your account will be activated. You will receive a Welcome email with all the details of your new Site Host City account. Everything you need to know about your new account with us and where to go for help will be in this email. Make sure you don't delete it! Print it and keep it in a safe place.

STEP THREE: SET YOUR WEBSITE OPTIONS
After your account is set up, log in to your control panel to create your email accounts and upload all of your backup files. You should also adjust any settings that are needed for your web site.

STEP FOUR: MAKE THE SWITCH
In this step you will log into your domain management account with your registrar (ie., GoDaddy, Network Solutions, Register.com or whomever you registered your domain with), and change the nameservers to the ones that are shown in your Welcome email.
If your old host registered your domain for you, you may have to get them to release it to you.

STEP FIVE: PROPAGATION
Propagation describes the process that helps all of the computers connected across the entire internet to recognize your new web site location. Most registrars advise that this process can take up to 48 hours but it is usually done much sooner. There is nothing for you to do, except to wait.

STEP SIX: CANCEL YOUR OLD ACCOUNT
Now that your new home is established with us, you no longer need the files that are on your old account. You should contact your old web hosting company to cancel your account there. Make sure you check your old host's Terms and Conditions document so you will be sure to follow all of their requirements if a refund for unused time is due.

All Done. Welcome to The City!