WordPress migrations and difficult takeovers
I help with normal host-to-host moves as well as older sites where the original developer disappeared, access is scattered, or nobody is sure which company controls the domain and hosting.
- Move WordPress to a new hosting company or server
- Change the primary domain or move from a temporary URL
- Take over an abandoned website with incomplete documentation
- Recover from a failed migration, broken URLs, or missing media
- Correct DNS, HTTPS, mixed-content, or redirect problems
- Separate website hosting from email without interrupting mail
- Move multisite, WooCommerce, or larger installations after review
A safer migration process
Inventory access and dependencies
Before changing DNS, I identify the registrar, authoritative DNS, website host, database, mail provider, SSL setup, and outside services the site relies on. This is especially important when email must remain where it is.
Copy and test before cutover
When the current host permits it, the new copy is tested before the public domain moves. URLs, PHP compatibility, forms, logins, and important business functions are checked in the destination environment.
Cut over, verify, and preserve a rollback path
DNS is changed only after the destination is ready. I verify the public result, HTTPS, redirects, and mail routing, then retain the previous copy long enough to provide a practical rollback path.
Do not cancel the old hosting first
Keep the old account active until the new site, database, DNS, SSL, and any email dependencies have been confirmed. Cancelling early can remove the cleanest migration and rollback options.