A website migration is more than downloading a folder from one server and uploading it to another. A business website can include application files, databases, email accounts, DNS records, SSL configuration and years of mailbox data.
Our approach is to review what you have, prepare the new hosting environment and move the required components carefully. You do not need to perform the migration yourself.
More than a copy-and-paste migration.
A new server should not become a new home for an old security problem. Where appropriate, the website and database are reviewed for signs of compromise and address identified malicious content before treating the migrated site as ready for normal production.
The existing setup is reviewed first
Before changing the live service, Web Hosting Lebanon identifies what needs to move. That may include the website files, one or more databases, WordPress, email accounts, existing mailbox content, DNS records, subdomains and other configuration associated with the domain.
This lets us plan around the actual website rather than assuming every hosting account is identical. It also helps identify anything that could affect the migration before the public switch begins.
Website files are transferred
The website files are moved to the new hosting environment while the existing service remains available during preparation where the source environment permits it.
Whether the website is WordPress, a traditional PHP website or another compatible web project, the destination is prepared and the required files are verified before the hosting transition is considered complete.
Database migration includes a review
For database-driven websites, the database is transferred separately and connected to the website on the new hosting environment. The relevant configuration and database connection are verified as part of bringing the migrated site online.
Where appropriate, the database is also reviewed for suspicious or unexpected content, unwanted administrator data, injected code or other indicators of compromise. If malicious content is identified, it can be addressed rather than blindly carried from the old hosting environment into the new one.
No security review can honestly guarantee that a database has never been compromised. Our objective is to identify and clean confirmed problems, investigate suspicious findings and avoid knowingly migrating an existing compromise into production.
A clean move, not copy-and-paste hosting. 🛡️
Files, database, WordPress, email and DNS are parts of the same migration. Web Hosting Lebanon prepares the destination first, reviews what is being moved and coordinates the switch when the new environment is ready.
The objective is a working website on its new hosting, with the important data brought across and no known compromise simply packed into the suitcase.
WordPress migration includes a health and security review
When an existing WordPress website is being moved, the migration should not blindly reproduce obvious problems on the new hosting account.
The WordPress installation can be reviewed, including core files, plugins, themes, administrator accounts and database content for signs of compromise, suspicious modifications or components that need attention.
If the website is already known to be hacked or requires deeper malware removal, the recovery can be handled before the site is treated as production-ready. Our WordPress hacked and malware recovery guide explains how Web Hosting Lebanon approaches compromised installations.
Business email and mailbox migration
A hosting migration should not leave business email behind. Where the existing mail system supports migration, Web Hosting Lebanon can recreate the required email accounts on the destination and migrate existing mailbox data as part of the move.
The relevant email and DNS configuration are also reviewed so moving the website does not accidentally turn into an email outage. Existing aliases, forwarders or other mail configuration can be considered as part of the migration requirements.
The hosting-side DNS transition is coordinated
The domain should point to the new environment only when the destination is ready. Web Hosting Lebanon coordinates the hosting-side DNS changes required for the website and review the relevant mail records before the transition.
Because DNS changes can take time to be seen consistently across networks, the migration is planned to minimize disruption while traffic moves toward the new hosting environment.
SSL, HTTPS and final checks
After the switch, the migrated website is verified in its public environment. HTTPS, important pages and the relevant hosting configuration are checked so obvious migration problems can be addressed before the job is considered finished.
For email migrations, sending and receiving should also be verified after the relevant DNS changes have taken effect.
What about downtime?
Our migration process is designed for no expected downtime by preparing the destination before the final switch and keeping the existing service available during the transition where possible.
The wording “no expected downtime” is used deliberately rather than promising that interruption is technically impossible. The source provider, DNS behavior, application design and third-party services can all affect a migration. What matters is how carefully the move is prepared and executed.
Local support when the old hosting gets complicated
Sometimes the domain is registered with one company, the website is hosted by another, email is somewhere else and nobody remembers who controls the DNS. Welcome to migration archaeology. 😅
You do not need to translate all of that into a perfect technical explanation before contacting us. Send us the domain and what information you have. Web Hosting Lebanon can identify what is needed for the hosting migration and tell you what access or details are required.
Web Hosting Lebanon is based in Chtaura, Bekaa, Lebanon. You can speak to us in English, French or Lebanese, and when a conversation is easier than twenty support messages, local support is available.
Migration with our managed hosting
Website migration assistance is included with our managed hosting plan. The current plan includes 10 GB NVMe storage, 20 email accounts, 500 GB monthly traffic, SSL, malware scanning, migration assistance and human support for $80 for the first year; renews at $100/year.
If you are moving an existing website, send us the domain and tell us where the website and email are currently hosted. Web Hosting Lebanon will review the setup and explain what can be migrated before changes are made.