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The Ultimate IONOS Migration Guide

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...

Author
adminhowto.com Editorial
Updated
Jan 15, 2025
Estimated time
5 min read
Difficulty
Practical
Applies to
Common server environments
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CloudBackupsHosting BasicsPleskHosting PanelsLinuxWindowsEmailDNSSSLMySQL & DatabasesGetting StartedcPanel

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:

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

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Export Databases on Your Current Server:

  3. 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

  4. Import Databases in Plesk:

  5. Update Database Configuration:

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

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Download Files via FTP:

  3. Export Databases via phpMyAdmin:

  4. Upload Files to the New Server:

  5. Import Databases in Plesk:

  6. Update Database Configuration:

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.

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

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.

  1. Export Your Databases as .SQL Files:

  2. Transfer Files Using SCP:

  3. Restore Your Databases on the Destination Server:

  4. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

  1. Export Databases in Plesk:

  2. Download Website Files via FTP:

  3. Upload Files to the Hosting Contract:

  4. Import Databases on the Hosting Contract:

  5. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Create a Database Backup:

  3. 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

  4. Import Databases:

  5. Update Database Connection Strings:

Option B: Backup Files Locally to Your PC

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

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Download Website Files Using FTP:

  3. Export Databases Using phpMyAdmin:

  4. Upload Files to the Destination Server:

  5. Import Databases:

  6. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Create a Database Backup:

  3. 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

  4. Import Databases on the Destination Server:

  5. Update Database Connection Strings:

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Download Website Files Using FTP:

  3. Export Databases:

  4. Upload Files to the Destination Server:

  5. Import Databases on the Destination Server:

  6. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

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.

IIS Migration

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

2. Synchronizing IIS Between Servers with the Same Version:

3. Using IIS Easy Migration Tool (IEMT):

4. Community Guide for IIS Migration:

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

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.

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:

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

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:

Reinstalling SSL Certificates

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

  1. Set Up and Issue an SSL with IONOS:

  2. Download SSL Files:

  3. Install SSL in Plesk:

Email Migration

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Migrating Emails to the New Server:
    Use the IONOS Email Migration Tool to transfer emails from the old server:

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.

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

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Export Databases on Your Current Server:

  3. 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

  4. Import Databases in Plesk:

  5. Update Database Configuration:

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

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Download Files via FTP:

  3. Export Databases via phpMyAdmin:

  4. Upload Files to the New Server:

  5. Import Databases in Plesk:

  6. Update Database Configuration:

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.

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

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.

  1. Export Your Databases as .SQL Files:

  2. Transfer Files Using SCP:

  3. Restore Your Databases on the Destination Server:

  4. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

  1. Export Databases in Plesk:

  2. Download Website Files via FTP:

  3. Upload Files to the Hosting Contract:

  4. Import Databases on the Hosting Contract:

  5. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Create a Database Backup:

  3. 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

  4. Import Databases:

  5. Update Database Connection Strings:

Option B: Backup Files Locally to Your PC

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

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Download Website Files Using FTP:

  3. Export Databases Using phpMyAdmin:

  4. Upload Files to the Destination Server:

  5. Import Databases:

  6. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Create a Database Backup:

  3. 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

  4. Import Databases on the Destination Server:

  5. Update Database Connection Strings:

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.

  1. Prepare Your New Server:

  2. Download Website Files Using FTP:

  3. Export Databases:

  4. Upload Files to the Destination Server:

  5. Import Databases on the Destination Server:

  6. Update Database Connection Strings:

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

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.

IIS Migration

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

2. Synchronizing IIS Between Servers with the Same Version:

3. Using IIS Easy Migration Tool (IEMT):

4. Community Guide for IIS Migration:

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

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.

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:

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

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:

Reinstalling SSL Certificates

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

  1. Set Up and Issue an SSL with IONOS:

  2. Download SSL Files:

  3. Install SSL in Plesk:

Email Migration

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Migrating Emails to the New Server:
    Use the IONOS Email Migration Tool to transfer emails from the old server:

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.

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