Most domain name registrar allow you to tranfer your domain name free of charge. The first thing to do if fine a new host, get you hosting set up, then point your domain name to the the new host's servers, then upload your site to the new host (You naturally have to do a backup of your site first).

I think your domain is .co.uk, you will proably need to change your domain's IPS tag from your current domain registrar to the new registrar.

Thanks Temi

It's good to know that it is a straight forward process.

So the main steps are to make a backup of the site and SQL database data. Upload the site to the new host and import the SQL data into the new SQL database and then configure the script/site to point to the new SQL database. Am I right?

I have no plans of moving at the moment, but it is good to know this info especially if you have not been through this process before

Thanks

Yes, the process you mentioed is fine:
1. backup site contents (SQL, html and php files)
2. Point domain to the new host
3. Once you receive login info from the new host, re install directory script, upload SQL and PHP/HTML files.
4. You may need to change path to some files.
Test site to ensure its works perfecly.
5. Give yourself a pat on the back and have a cup of tea

Thanks Temi

3. Once you receive login info from the new host, re install directory script, upload SQL and PHP/HTML files.

Can you not just upload the backup of the whole site rather then re installing the directory site? Or is it easier starting from scratch by reinstalling the script and then importing the data from the SQL backup?

Do you think it is good practice to try and copy the site over to another website

e.g. I have a new domain name and webspace. Do you think I should practice transferring a copy of the site over including the SQL database data? Just to see if I can successfully do this?

Thanks

Originally Posted by gkd_uk

Can you not just upload the backup of the whole site rather then re installing the directory site? Or is it easier starting from scratch by reinstalling the script and then importing the data from the SQL backup?

You can try uploading backup like you described but I think the script will not work, unless the server you are moving from and the server you are moving to are IDENTICAL, which I doubt

Thanks Temi

So reinstalling the script will probably be the easier option, as this way the script will link correctly to the new database. Then you import the SQL data into the new database to restore the categories and URL's. Finally customise the site if this is required.

Thanks

Spot on Imran

Thanks Temi