Steps to remember WHM migration on no downtime

WHM (Web Host Manager) migration refers to the process of transferring hosting accounts, configurations, and data from one server to another using WHM, a web-based control panel for managing web hosting servers. WHM is often used in conjunction with cPanel, a control panel designed for website owners, to provide an interface for managing hosting-related tasks.

WHM migration refers to the process of transferring a cPanel/WHM (Web Host Manager) account, along with its associated websites, emails, databases, and other settings, from one server to another. WHM is a web-based control panel used for server administration and website management.

The WHM migration process involves moving websites, email accounts, databases, and other associated data from one server to another. This might be necessary for various reasons, such as upgrading hardware, changing hosting providers, or consolidating multiple servers.

Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in a WHM migration:

Migrating a web server without downtime involves careful planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition for your website users. Here’s a general guide for migrating a web server using WHM (Web Host Manager) without causing downtime

1. Choose a New Server (WHM):

• Set up a new server with the desired configurations, software versions, and server environment.
• Ensure that both the old and new servers have the same versions of essential software (like PHP, MySQL, etc.).

2. Synchronize Data:

• Copy all your website files, databases, and configuration files from the old server to the new server. You can use tools like rsync for files and mysqldump for databases.

3. Update DNS Records:

• Update the DNS records to point to the IP address of the new server. Lower the TTL (Time To Live) on DNS records in advance to minimize propagation delay.

4. Set Up Temporary Redirection (Optional):

• If possible, set up temporary redirection on the old server to redirect traffic to the new server. This can be achieved using server configuration or .htaccess rules.

5. Test on New Server:

• Before making the final switch, thoroughly test your website on the new server to ensure that everything is working as expected.

6. Synchronize Data Again:

• Once you’re ready to switch, synchronize the data (files and databases) from the old server to the new server again to capture any changes that might have occurred during testing.

rsync -avz -e ssh –exclude-from=”/home/exclude.txt” /home root@remoteserverip:/home

7. Final DNS Update:

• Update the DNS records to point to the IP address of the new server. This change will start directing user traffic to the new server.

8. Monitor and Verify:

• Monitor server logs, error logs, and website functionality to ensure everything is working smoothly on the new server.
• Periodically check the old server logs to ensure there’s no unexpected traffic.

9. Rollback Plan:

• Have a rollback plan in case something goes wrong. This might involve pointing DNS back to the old server.

10. Update Configurations:

• Update any absolute URLs or server-specific configurations in your website’s code or configuration files to reflect the changes in the new server environment.

11. Inform Stakeholders:

• Notify stakeholders and users about the migration and provide any necessary information or support.

12. Documentation:

• Document the migration process for future reference.

Always perform server migrations during periods of low traffic if possible and communicate any potential downtime or disruptions to your users in advance. Keep in mind that some databases and applications may require additional steps or considerations during the migration process.