The Ultimate IONOS Migration Guide

Always Backup Before Making Changes

Creating a backup is crucial before making any changes to your server. If you haven’t already set up a backup, it’s highly recommended to purchase the IONOS Cloud Backup solution. Follow the installation instructions provided, and ensure you complete a manual backup (you can also refer to the provided video guide).

Preparing for Data Migration

Migrating data between servers is a complex process that is best handled by a system administrator or someone with technical expertise. If you are transferring data between two IONOS contracts, there are several key factors to consider before starting the migration process.

Begin by reviewing this Server Migration Checklist, which provides an overview of the steps to prepare for a smooth data transfer:
👉 Server Migration: Transfer Without Data Loss

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Email Migration:

If you have IONOS mailboxes on your current contract that you plan to migrate, ensure you have sufficient mailboxes available on the new contract.
Note that older IONOS contracts may offer unlimited email accounts, while newer VPS plans typically include only two mailboxes by default. Additional mailboxes may need to be purchased separately. (More details about email migration are available in the guide below.)

2. Server Recommendations:

For dedicated servers, I recommend using Intel-based servers for optimal performance and reliability.
For virtualized environments, IONOS Cloud Servers are an excellent choice due to their scalability and flexibility.

Helpful Resource: Server Migration Guide

For additional details and instructions on performing a server migration, be sure to consult the official Server Migration Guide. It provides a step-by-step approach to transferring your data safely and effectively.

By planning ahead and following these recommendations, you can minimize risks and ensure a successful migration.

Linux Server with Plesk/cPanel to Linux Server with Plesk

To migrate websites between two Plesk servers or between a cPanel server and a Plesk server, you can utilize the Plesk Migrator tool. Detailed instructions are available in the following guide:

Plesk Migration and Transfer Guide

If Plesk is installed but the web interface (port 8443) is inaccessible, you can still use the Plesk Migrator via the command line. For step-by-step guidance, refer to this documentation:

Migrating via the Command Line

Hosting to Linux Server with Plesk

Migration Options: Choose the Best Fit for Your Needs

When migrating websites, you have three primary options:

A) Transfer Files Directly Between Servers
This method is ideal if you are comfortable with Linux terminal and SSH or have admin support for the migration.

Prepare Your New Server:
- Install Plesk: Installing Plesk (VPS Windows and VPS Linux)
- Add domain names to Plesk: Adding Domain Names to Plesk
Export Databases on Your Current Server:
- Connect via SSH: Connecting to IONOS Webhosting via SSH using PuTTY
- Backup MySQL/MariaDB databases: Backing Up and Restoring MySQL/MariaDB Databases Using SSH
Transfer Files Using SCP:
- Use SCP to copy files between the current hosting server and the new Plesk server, ensuring correct directories are targeted.
- Guide: Linux SCP for transferring files
Import Databases in Plesk:
- Follow this guide to import database dumps: How to import a MySQL/MS SQL database in Plesk
Update Database Configuration:
- Update connection strings in your CMS or application files: Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

B) Backup Files Locally to Your PC
This method is recommended if you prefer a manual approach using FTP and phpMyAdmin.

Prepare Your New Server:
- Install Plesk: Installing Plesk (VPS Windows and VPS Linux)
- Add domain names to Plesk: Adding Domain Names to Plesk
Download Files via FTP:
- Use an FTP client and credentials from your hosting provider: Transferring Files with FileZilla Using SFTP
Export Databases via phpMyAdmin:
- Follow this guide: Backing Up MySQL/MariaDB Databases with phpMyAdmin
Upload Files to the New Server:
- Create an FTP user in Plesk and upload your website files: Uploading Content Using FTP
Import Databases in Plesk:
- Guide: How to import a MySQL/MS SQL database in Plesk
Update Database Configuration:
- Modify CMS configuration files as needed: Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

C) Use Plesk Site Import Extension
For sites built with platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or PrestaShop, Plesk offers the Site Import Extension. This tool allows you to import websites directly via FTP.

Guide: Importing Websites Using the Plesk Site Import Extension

Choose the option that best fits your technical proficiency and migration needs.

Linux Server with Plesk to Hosting

Migration Options: Choose Your Preferred Method

When migrating files between servers, you have two primary options:

A) Transfer Files Directly Between Servers
This method is recommended for users comfortable with SSH or those with admin support.

Export Your Databases as .SQL Files:
- How to connect to a Plesk server via SSH
- How to back up all MySQL databases via the command line
Transfer Files Using SCP:
- Use SCP to copy files between your Plesk server and the destination hosting contract. Ensure files are transferred to the correct webspace directory (e.g., the appropriate htdocs subfolder).
- Create an SSH user on your Hosting
- Linux SCP for transferring files
Restore Your Databases on the Destination Server:
- Connect to IONOS Webhosting via SSH using PuTTY
- Restoring MySQL/MariaDB Databases Using SSH
Update Database Connection Strings:
- Ensure database credentials (hostname, user, and password) are updated in application scripts (e.g., WordPress wp-config.php).
- Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

B) Backup Files Locally to Your PC
This method is ideal if you prefer to manually download and upload files.

Export Databases in Plesk:
- Export databases as .ZIP or .SQL files. Extract .SQL files for importing later.
- Exporting and Importing Database Dumps in Plesk
Download Website Files via FTP:
- Use FTP to download your website files. Use SFTP with the root user for files outside of Plesk management.
- Set Up FTP Credentials in Plesk
- How to Connect to a Website in Plesk via FTP
- Transferring Files with FileZilla Using SFTP
Upload Files to the Hosting Contract:
- Create an SFTP user on the hosting contract for secure uploads.
- Create an SFTP User on Your Hosting
Import Databases on the Hosting Contract:
- Create databases and import .SQL files using phpMyAdmin.
- Create Databases on Hosting Contract
- Restoring MySQL/MariaDB Databases with phpMyAdmin
Update Database Connection Strings:
- Update connection details in scripts like WordPress wp-config.php.
- Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

Choose the option that best suits your technical expertise and migration requirements.

Hosting to Linux Server without Plesk

Important Note: Managing a Root Dedicated Server

A root dedicated server is entirely the customer’s responsibility, including installation, configuration, maintenance, updates, security, and backups. A dedicated Linux server without Plesk is significantly different from a Hosting contract and requires technical expertise. IONOS technical support does not manage or maintain root dedicated servers.

Migration Options

Option A: Transfer Files Directly Between Servers

Recommended for users with SSH experience or assistance from a system administrator.

Prepare Your New Server:
- Ensure the server software is installed and configured. Popular options include Apache, nginx, or LiteSpeed. For a standard setup, consider installing a LAMP stack (Apache, MySQL, PHP).
- Guides:
Create a Database Backup:
- Export your databases to .SQL files.
- Guide: Backing Up and Restoring MySQL/MariaDB Databases Using SSH
Transfer Files Using SCP:
- Use SCP to copy files between your shared Hosting and dedicated server. Ensure files are transferred to the correct directories, such as htdocs.
- Guide: Linux SCP for Transferring Files
Import Databases:
- Restore your databases on the new server.
- Guide: How to Import a MySQL/MariaDB Database
Update Database Connection Strings:
- Update scripts, such as WordPress wp-config.php, with the correct database credentials.
- Guide: Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

Option B: Backup Files Locally to Your PC

Recommended for users preferring a manual approach using FTP and phpMyAdmin.

Prepare Your New Server:
- Install and configure the necessary server software, such as Apache, nginx, or LiteSpeed.
- Guides:
Download Website Files Using FTP:
- Use an FTP client like FileZilla to download your website files.
- Guide: Transferring Files with FileZilla Using SFTP
Export Databases Using phpMyAdmin:
- Export database backups as .SQL files.
- Guide: Backing Up MySQL/MariaDB Databases with phpMyAdmin
Upload Files to the Destination Server:
- Use SFTP with root access to upload files to the appropriate directories.
- Guide: Connecting to a Server Using SFTP with FileZilla
Import Databases:
- Restore the .SQL database files on your new server.
- Guide: How to Import a MySQL/MariaDB Database
Update Database Connection Strings:
- Ensure your scripts have updated database credentials, such as hostname, username, and password.
- Guide: Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

Select the option that aligns with your technical expertise and system requirements.

Linux Server without Plesk to Linux Server without Plesk

Important Note: Managing a Root Dedicated Server

Managing a root dedicated server is entirely the customer’s responsibility, including installation, configuration, maintenance, updates, security, and backups. IONOS technical support does not provide setup or maintenance services for root dedicated servers.

Migration Options

Option A: Transfer Files Directly Between Servers

Use the SCP tool to transfer files directly between your two Linux servers.

Prepare Your New Server:
- Install and configure the necessary server software, such as Apache, nginx, or LiteSpeed. For a standard setup, consider installing a LAMP stack (Apache + MySQL + PHP).
- Useful guides:
Create a Database Backup:
- Export your database(s) to .SQL files using MySQL Dump.
- Guide: MySQL Backup with MySQL Dump
Transfer Files Using SCP:
- Use SCP to transfer files between your servers, ensuring they are copied to the correct directories (e.g., htdocs for web files).
- Guide: Linux SCP for Transferring Files
Import Databases on the Destination Server:
- Restore your databases on the new server using MySQL.
- Guide: How to Import a MySQL/MariaDB Database
Update Database Connection Strings:
- Ensure your application scripts, such as WordPress wp-config.php, are updated with the correct database credentials.
- Guide: Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

Option B: Backup Files Locally to Your PC

This method involves downloading files and databases to your local computer and then reuploading them to the new server.

Prepare Your New Server:
- Install and configure necessary server software, such as Apache, nginx, or LiteSpeed. For a typical setup, consider a LAMP stack (Apache + MySQL + PHP).
- Useful guides:
Download Website Files Using FTP:
- Use an FTP client like FileZilla to download your website files using the FTP credentials from your hosting contract.
- Guide: Transferring Files with FileZilla Using SFTP
Export Databases:
- Use MySQL Dump to create a backup of your database(s).
- Guide: MySQL Backup with MySQL Dump
Upload Files to the Destination Server:
- Use SFTP with root access to upload your files to the appropriate directories on the new server.
- Guide: Connecting to a Server Using SFTP with FileZilla
Import Databases on the Destination Server:
- Restore your databases on the new server using MySQL.
- Guide: How to Import a MySQL/MariaDB Database
Update Database Connection Strings:
- Update database credentials in your scripts, such as WordPress wp-config.php.
- Guide: Changing the Database Configuration File of a CMS

Choose the method that best matches your technical proficiency and migration requirements.

Windows Server without Plesk to Windows Server without Plesk

Important Note: Managing a Root Dedicated Server

A root dedicated server is entirely the responsibility of the customer and their system administrators. This includes installation, configuration, maintenance, updates, security, and backups. IONOS technical support does not provide setup or maintenance for root dedicated servers.

Migration Resources for Windows Servers

There are numerous guides and tools available online to assist with migrating between two Windows Servers. Below are some recommended approaches:

Entire Server Migration

To migrate an entire server, including files and configurations, you can use Storage Migration Service with Windows Admin Center.

Official Microsoft Guide:
Migrate Data with Storage Migration Service

IIS Migration

1. Migrating from IIS 6.0 to IIS 7 or Above:

Use Microsoft’s official documentation for step-by-step instructions:
Migrate a Website from IIS 6.0 to IIS 7 or Above

2. Synchronizing IIS Between Servers with the Same Version:

Refer to the IIS synchronization guide for detailed instructions:
Synchronize IIS Using Web Deploy

3. Using IIS Easy Migration Tool (IEMT):

This community-contributed tool simplifies IIS migrations:
IIS Easy Migration Tool (IEMT)

4. Community Guide for IIS Migration:

Explore this comprehensive guide for website migration:
How to Migrate a Website Using Web Deploy

These resources provide detailed steps to ensure a smooth migration process tailored to your Windows Server and IIS configuration.

Third-party Hosting to IONOS Hosting

Important Note on Migration Services

IONOS does not offer free or paid migration services for transferring data from third-party providers. However, we provide a comprehensive guide to assist with the process, including detailed instructions for various hosting providers.

Guide for Transferring Domains with Websites, Emails, and Subdomains:
Transferring Domains with Websites, Emails,

Next Steps for Migration

Third-Party Software

Any third-party software installed on your server must also be reinstalled and configured on the new server according to the software’s documentation.

Website Testing and Preview

After migrating your websites, it is crucial to test their functionality, identify any errors, and resolve bugs. You can preview websites on the new server (e.g., on a subdomain) to ensure everything works correctly.

Previewing Websites in Plesk:
If your domain is managed by IONOS or is an external domain added to your account, you can identify the associated contract on your Contracts & Subscriptions page.

Domain Management

1. Moving Domains Between Contracts:
If the domain is on the server contract you’re migrating away from, you can transfer it to the new contract:

How to Move Domains Between Contracts

2. Managing External Domains:
If you’re using an external domain, refer to this guide:

Managing External Domains

3. Updating DNS A Records:
If IONOS is the domain’s nameserver, update the A records to point to the new server’s IP address:

Updating A Records

Reinstalling SSL Certificates

After migrating the website, reinstall SSL certificates to ensure secure connections.

Set Up and Issue an SSL with IONOS:
- Setting Up and Issuing an SSL Certificate
Download SSL Files:
- Downloading SSL Files
Install SSL in Plesk:
- Installing SSL in Plesk

Email Migration

If your current contract includes email services, note the following:

Mailbox Deletion After Domain Transfer:
When transferring a domain, all associated email addresses will be deleted. However, the mailboxes and their contents will remain intact to prevent data loss.
Creating New Mailboxes on the New Contract:
- Creating a New Email Address
- If no mailboxes are available, you can use the “Order” button during mailbox setup to purchase additional mailboxes.
Migrating Emails to the New Server:
Use the IONOS Email Migration Tool to transfer emails from the old server:
- Email Migration Guide

Final Checks

Test all websites and email accounts on the new server.
Verify DNS and SSL configurations.
Confirm all data and functionality are intact.

By following these steps, you can ensure a seamless migration process.

The Ultimate IONOS Migration Guide