Things to Remember While Switching to another Web Host

Often people start their website to reach out a handful of people to share some personal or vocation related information on a free web hosting plan but going by the increasing number of hits on their websites and growing traffic volume have to switch to some other plan, viz. dedicated or shared web hosting. In fact, the initial company may not be competent enough to provide the services expected by the client and he may start looking for greener pastures elsewhere.

Besides, file transfer and data storage difficulties clients may be faced with concerns regarding security, timely software and technical support. The first thing to ensure before you switch web host is to keep a back up of all data related to your website, viz. scripts, databases etc. Now, you can start looking for a web host that meets all your needs and is one step ahead of the previous company you opted for. Once you’ve decided upon the company and the plan, ensure that you receive an IP number, FTP or FrontPage login, and password from the new web hosting company. Now you can upload all your files to the new server in a way you did previously.

Before you transfer your DNS server from your previous host to the new one, debug and test the new site from an individual IP number. Also make sure that all the web pages exist, the links point to the right pages and that all your scripts are running. To avoid any unnecessary trouble on account of the expiration date make sure that you have at least 3-4 weeks in hand before the domain name expires.

To transfer the domain name service to a new host identify registrar you need to verify registration of your domain name, identify the name server information for the host your are transferring to, and also make requisite changes in the DNS information at the registrar. During this propagation period, make sure to keep running the old sites, so that the visitors whose ISP provider haven’t updated to that date can access your website.

During this “transition period” also make sure not to cancel your old hosting services as you may need to check your mails from both the present as well the former web host. Although a few hosting companies provide the feature of redirecting all mails to a new specified mail account  from an obsolete one, not all web hosts provide the feature and it is only in your interest not to miss out on some important correspondence during the transition.