Considering SHIFTING to new HOST...maybe GATOR..

dca · #1 06-18-2007, 12:59 PM

Hello,
I am looking for a new host. My domain is lidertronica.com .
I am currently not very satisfied with the host I have in terms of the package they offer and am seriously looking for some recommendations. Host Gator seemed to have quite some good recommendations.
I tried once shifting to HOSTICAN and it didnt turn out as easy as I thought nor as easy as they had told me it would be. In the end I had to cancel with HOSTICAN and maintain the old host.
I have a OSCOMMERCE setup in my site that is working quite well and would love to have it working in the same way in the new host. The last shift I attempted, there were problems in resolving database issues (I have a feeling that the problems was the config in pointing to the right place where the database was) , but as I am not an expert I thought the guys at HOSTICAN would sort it....but they gave up and left me stranded saying that I needed a developer!
What I would like to know is what steps are necessary to shift a OSCOMMERCE setup that I have so that it works without any hiccups at the new host.
Looking forward to some feed-back.

dca

linus · #2 06-18-2007, 01:04 PM

Hi DCA,

We are a Reseller and recently switched to Hostgator because our previous hoster was a disaster. We lost clients as a result.

I can honestly say that in the past couple of months with Hostgator we have had AMAZING service and reliablility. Quick, applicable tech support and great service all around.

I can't comment specifically on your migration of osCommerce, but i'm sure Hostgator staff can assist you quick competently.

Cheers,
Linus

smp · #3 06-18-2007, 01:25 PM

Hey Dca,

Firstly what control panel is your current host using? If it's cpanel it'd be pretty easy.

I don't know why Hostican told you that you need a developer

.

If you get an account at Hostgator and need help during the move you can always come to this forum and we'll help you out, it shouldn't be that hard.

Regards, Steve Xx

charlesgan · #4 06-18-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dca

(I have a feeling that the problems was the config in pointing to the right place where the database was)

hi dca. welcome to hostgator.

basically i been here more than 3 months, and have to say the setup of website is easier. As hostgator database is in same server as your hosting websites. This also provide better connectivity to the mysql.

anyway, if you are new to hostgator.
signup with coupon 'hgc25' for a one free month on baby plan.
and able to host unlimited websites in this plan. i using this plan now. Nice!

riostyles · #5 06-18-2007, 05:53 PM

Hello Dca,
I am resseller, basically the same as shared in the day per day mgmt.
I'm by HG since a year+ andhost since about 14 years,
For me the best,
You have to accept HG's strong policies in matter of server use, spam, ... but this makes the things running smooth.
So far, had no unresolved support problem and since hosted here, I sleep well, my customers too.
riostyles

Impavidus · #6 06-18-2007, 11:06 PM

This is how I would move your store (I had to do this myself):

1. Make a backup of your current site (always a good idea before making any drastic changes to a website)
2. Copy all of your files from the old server to HostGator using ftp
3. Edit /catalog/includes/configure.php
Find "DB_SERVER" change localhost to 216.98.146.10 (your old sql server)
This allows you to use your old database to make sure everything works and when you switch over, you won't lose any orders.
4. Change your dns to HostGator name servers and wait for 48 hours for the dns to update around the world.
5. Put your store in maintenance mode on both web servers (to prevent data loss during the transfer).
6. You need to move your database over to HostGator.
7. Edit /catalog/includes/configure.php
Find "DB_SERVER" change 216.98.146.10 back to localhost.
8. Make sure that everything is working properly
9. Take your new website out of maintenance mode if everything is looks fine.
10. Now you have successfully transfered your store to HostGator.

I hope this helps!

dca · #7 06-19-2007, 04:00 AM

Hello Impavidus,

Sounds good. Thanks for the step-by-step instructions......I had no idea that I could still connect to old database while at new host and then shift the database. I am sure that this will help me.

One more thing.....once I signup at HG, do I need to "install" the OSCOMMERCE again as new, or the fact that am copying all the files and directories ffrom old host makes this unncecessary ? I presume this must be the case, but I just need to reconfirm.

Thanks in advance

dca

Impavidus · #8 06-19-2007, 04:03 AM

It's unncecessary to reinstall, just copy the files and folders.

smp · #9 06-19-2007, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dca

One more thing.....once I signup at HG, do I need to "install" the OSCOMMERCE again as new, or the fact that am copying all the files and directories ffrom old host makes this unncecessary ? I presume this must be the case, but I just need to reconfirm.

Thanks in advance

dca

No, you don't need to install osc again, just download it from your current host and upload it to HG.

Regards, Steve Xx

charlesgan · #10 06-19-2007, 11:37 AM

hostican is using cpanel... same does hostgator.
you can do the total backup and move it over.

patwa · #11 06-19-2007, 12:20 PM

Hi, I too have been with HG nearly four months, so far no problems. Things work fine and problems have been resolved. Also, before I had a website but it was fairly simple and I had no experience with the 'management' side of things, since coming here I've learnt lots and HG have always been happy to help when I've gotten stuck and not been able to find an answer elsewhere. These forums are also great.

H.

Hostalot · #12 06-19-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dca

Hello,
I am looking for a new host. My domain is lidertronica.com .
I am currently not very satisfied with the host I have in terms of the package they offer and am seriously looking for some recommendations. Host Gator seemed to have quite some good recommendations.
I tried once shifting to HOSTICAN and it didnt turn out as easy as I thought nor as easy as they had told me it would be. In the end I had to cancel with HOSTICAN and maintain the old host.
I have a OSCOMMERCE setup in my site that is working quite well and would love to have it working in the same way in the new host. The last shift I attempted, there were problems in resolving database issues (I have a feeling that the problems was the config in pointing to the right place where the database was) , but as I am not an expert I thought the guys at HOSTICAN would sort it....but they gave up and left me stranded saying that I needed a developer!
What I would like to know is what steps are necessary to shift a OSCOMMERCE setup that I have so that it works without any hiccups at the new host.
Looking forward to some feed-back.

dca

Hey there, your story sounds familiar? Did you comment on my blog?

dca · #13 06-20-2007, 04:37 AM

Hostalot,

Yes. I did...

dca

Hostalot · #14 06-20-2007, 04:59 AM

Well, Hostgator is a good choice.

ldearing · #15 06-20-2007, 09:20 AM

Welcome

Serra · #16 06-20-2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dca

(I have a feeling that the problems was the config in pointing to the right place where the database was) , but as I am not an expert I thought the guys at HOSTICAN would sort it....but they gave up and left me stranded saying that I needed a developer!

Is your store making money? If so, use a developer. If not, then its not that hard.

If you need a developer, contact me.

dca · #17 06-20-2007, 12:51 PM

Serra,

The store takes orders etc, but does not accept payments online as such.

Thanks for the offer. Will keep u in mind if the need arises.

dca

Serra · #18 06-20-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dca

Serra,

The store takes orders etc, but does not accept payments online as such.

Thanks for the offer. Will keep u in mind if the need arises.

That basically answers my question. If the store isn't making you money, then fight through the transfer process yourself and be done with it.

Its my opinion that if you have a money making store, pay someone to make sure it still makes money over the short term. I moved a fairly active ink store a few months ago and they didn't lose many sales at all. (Some losses are expected in a big store move, there is always some small amount of downtime or problems. Often the store is taken offline for a bit during the move, during off peak hours)

The cPanel to cPanel transfer should do it. You should be able to have HG take are of it for you or you can do it yourself. Just watch out for differences in security and PHP/mySQL versions.

Hostalot · #19 06-20-2007, 06:53 PM

Mind you Hostgator charges you a fee if they help you with the transfer. At least that is the impression I got from a post a while back.

slapshotw · #20 06-20-2007, 08:47 PM

Transfers are free when you open an account.

charlesgan · #21 06-21-2007, 01:23 AM

dont think they are charging. as what i see.

and if yes, how much is it being charged

riostyles · #22 06-21-2007, 01:46 AM

Captain,
we are running out of fuel,
we have to land

Impavidus · #23 06-21-2007, 01:48 AM

https://secure.hostgator.com/transfer.php

"We will move up to 1 account with shared hosting free of charge"

dca · #24 06-21-2007, 03:30 AM

I contacted Hostgator livehelp and they informed me that they can transfer files from old host to them for free for the main domain. for other add-on domains they said there is a charge of 10 USD.

I used their online transfer form last night and have received an email that the tranfer of files has been done.

Now I have to see the other issues , database, etc and then get the DNS changes done over the week-end to avoud as much disruption as possible.

dca

Hostalot · #25 06-21-2007, 07:04 AM

Thanks for letting us know. Welcome to Hostgator