Preparing the new platform

1. Create a new directory
2. Create a new SFTP account
3. Create a new mySQL DB and user
4. Update wp-config.php
5. Update DNS to point to the new folder

Create a new directory

Just one minor rant before I get started – 1&1 your cPanel replacement is rubbish!!!

Anyway job number 1 is creating a folder on the server for everything to be dumped into.

• Log into 1&1 admin page > left-hand menu ‘Web Hosting Overview’ > WebspaceExplorer

This brings up a new page with an embedded folder view.

• ‘New folder’ icon or select ‘file’ > ‘New folder’
• type the folder name > ok

Create a new SFTP account

• Left-hand panel ‘Secure FTP account’
• Select ‘New user’ button
• Complete desired:-
  • User name – or more precisiely the second half of the desired username as it uses the main account name as the first half.
  • Password, also with a ‘Repeat password’
  • Description – one habbit I’ve made myself get into is always writing meaningful descriptions to my future self
  • Directory – point this at the newly created directory above
• click the ‘save’ button

Rather than creating a global account and using this for all sites I’m compartmentalising everything – to keep it all segregated and in order.

Create a new mySQL DB and user

• Left-hand panel ‘MySQL Database’
• Select ‘New database’ button
• Complete the desired info:-
  • Description of the new database
  • Version of the new database : MySQL 5.5
  • Password & Repeat password
• Click ‘set up’
• Note down the details of the database
• Click ‘Go To Overview’

Update wp-config.php

Next the new database settings need to be added tot he wp-config file.

• In the root directory of the downloaded site open wp-config.php with a text editor – Notepad++ for me.
• Change the following, to the values from above:-
  • define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘1&1databasename’);
  • define(‘DB_USER’, ‘1&1username’);
  • define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘1&1password‘);
  • define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘1&1hostname’);
• Save this

Update DNS to point to the new folder

• Left-hand panel > Domains
• Click ‘Transfer domain from another provider’
• ‘Domain check’ > type in the domain > select the right top level endind > click ‘check’
• select/check ‘Point DNS to 1&1 name servers and keep your current registrar.’ > ‘next’
• select ‘Use the 1&1 mail servers.’ > next
• Note down the details > click ‘order’

Next the new domian needs to be pointed at the right folder

• Left-hand panel > Domains > ‘Manage domains’
• Select the relevant domain > ‘Edit Destination’
• In the Webspace section select the desired folder > ‘save’