Step-by-Step Guide: How to Migrate a Website from Namecheap to Sailexhost

Migrating a website from Namecheap to Sailexhost involves several steps. It’s important to approach this methodically to avoid downtime or data loss. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you through the process, whether you’re transferring a WordPress site, static site, or any type of CMS-based website.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Website Hosting Setup

Before doing anything, take stock of your current hosting environment on Namecheap:

• What kind of website are you running (WordPress, HTML, Joomla, etc.)?
• Do you use cPanel on Namecheap?
• How large is your website (files + database)?
• Do you use email accounts with your domain?

Why this matters: These details influence how you migrate your files, database, and DNS settings.

Step 2: Sign Up for a Hosting Plan on Sailexhost

1. Visit Sailexhost’s website and choose a suitable hosting plan.
2. After payment, you’ll receive:
   • Login details to your new cPanel account.
   • Nameservers or DNS info to connect your domain.

Tip: Start with a hosting plan that matches your current traffic and site size. You can always upgrade later.

Step 3: Backup Your Website Files and Database on Namecheap

If You’re Using cPanel:

1. Log in to your Namecheap cPanel.
2. Download Files:
   • Go to File Manager > public_html.
   • Compress all files into a .zip archive.
   • Download the .zip to your local computer.
3. Export Database:
   • Go to phpMyAdmin in cPanel.
   • Select your website’s database.
   • Click Export > Choose Quick + SQL format > Click Go.

If You’re Using WordPress:

Use a plugin like All-in-One WP Migration, UpdraftPlus, or Duplicator to back up your site and database easily.

Step 4: Upload Your Website to Sailexhost

1. Log in to your Sailexhost cPanel.
2. Open File Manager, go to public_html, and upload your .zip file.
3. Once uploaded, extract the archive.
4. Import your database via phpMyAdmin:
   • Create a new database and user in MySQL Databases.
   • Assign the user to the database with All Privileges.
   • Go to phpMyAdmin, select the new DB, and Import the .sql file.
5. Update your website configuration files:
   • WordPress: edit wp-config.php with your new database name, username, and password.
   • Other CMS: update the config file where database credentials are stored.

Step 5: Update Domain Nameservers on Namecheap

Now point your domain (registered with Namecheap) to Sailexhost:

1. Log in to your Namecheap dashboard.
2. Go to Domain List, click Manage next to your domain.
3. Under Nameservers, choose Custom DNS.
4. Enter the nameservers provided by Sailexhost (usually something like ns1.sailexhost.com, ns2.sailexhost.com).
5. Save changes.

Propagation Time: It may take 1–48 hours for DNS changes to propagate worldwide.

Step 6: Test Your Website on Sailexhost

After DNS changes propagate:

• Visit your domain in a browser.
• Check pages, links, images, forms, and functionality.
• Log into your CMS admin panel to confirm everything is working.

Tip: While DNS propagates, you can test using your server’s IP or a hosts file override if needed.

Step 7: Set Up Emails (If Needed

If you were using email accounts on Namecheap, set them up on Sailexhost:

1. In cPanel, go to Email Accounts.
2. Create accounts (e.g., info@yourdomain.com).
3. Update MX records if you use external services like Google Workspace.

Step 8: Secure and Optimize

• Install SSL Certificate: Use the free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) in cPanel.
• Install Security Plugins: If using WordPress, consider plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security.
• Optimize Performance: Enable caching, use a CDN, and compress images.

Step 9: Cancel Hosting with Namecheap (Optional)

Once you’re confident your website is fully migrated and running on Sailexhost:

• Download final backups.
• Cancel your Namecheap hosting (but keep your domain if you wish).

Important: Don’t cancel Namecheap hosting until your DNS is fully propagated and the website works properly on Sailexhost.

Optional: Use Sailexhost’s Migration Support

Many hosting providers (including Sailexhost) offer free migration assistance. If you’re unsure or need help:

Let us handle the migration for you.

Contact Sailexhost’s support team.

Give us access to your old hosting account let handle the migration for you

Final Checklist

Task	Status
Backup files and database from Namecheap	✔️
Purchase and set up hosting on Sailexhost	✔️
Upload files and import database to Sailexhost	✔️
Point domain to new nameservers	✔️
Set up email accounts	✔️
Test website thoroughly	✔️
Secure and optimize your website	✔️
Cancel Namecheap hosting (optional)	✔️