What you’ll need
- Access to your old host (files, databases, email)
- Your registrar login
- DirectAdmin access on Traxio
Build everything on Traxio first, test it privately, and switch DNS last. Your old host keeps serving visitors until the moment the new one is proven. Moving your website and email to Traxio without downtime
Steps
Step 1: Inventory the old setup
List every mailbox, forwarder and custom DNS record (MX, TXT, subdomain A/CNAME records). Screenshot the old DNS page.
Step 2: Lower TTLs
At the current DNS provider, set record TTLs to 300 at least a day ahead. What is TTL in DNS? If DNSSEC is enabled, disable it now. What is DNSSEC?
Step 3: Copy files
Download the site from the old host as an archive, upload and extract it into
public_html. How to upload and extract a zip fileStep 4: Copy databases
Export from the old host and import into new databases on Traxio. Export a database and import it somewhere else
Step 5: Update configuration
Point the site’s config at the new database names, users and passwords, with host
localhost.Step 6: Test privately
Use the hosts file to view the Traxio copy, and test pages, logins and forms. Previewing your site on Traxio before changing DNS
Step 7: Recreate email and DNS records
Create the mailboxes and forwarders, and add custom DNS records in Account Manager then DNS Management. How to create an email account in DirectAdmin
Step 8: Switch nameservers
Change them at your registrar. How to point your domain to Traxio (change nameservers) Remove your hosts file entry.
Step 9: Confirm SSL and email
Once DNS resolves to Traxio, check HTTPS and send and receive test email. How free SSL certificates work on Traxio
Step 10: Move old messages
Add both old and new mailboxes to a desktop app over IMAP and drag folders from old to new, using the old host’s server name.
Step 11: Retire the old host
After a few days of normal operation, take a final backup there and cancel.
Check it worked
The site and email work from Traxio on multiple networks, an NS lookup shows Traxio’s nameservers, old messages are in the new mailboxes, and nothing references the old host.
If something goes wrong
| What happens | What to do |
|---|---|
| Works for you but not others | Hosts file entry not removed on your machine, or propagation. Website showing an old version or the previous host |
| Mail stopped after the switch | Records or mailboxes not recreated. Email stopped working after changing nameservers |
| Database errors on Traxio | Old credentials in config. Database connection failed |