making a copy of a WP site in new location

See Tools/Export & Import.

But if I use that method, will it include the theme and custom styling that has already been hand coded into her current site?

Not the theme or any plugins. You’ll have to install/copy them across manually.

Well it sounds like I am going to need to copy everything across manually, because there has been a lot of custom modifications made to this site directly in the code.

You should just be able to install the old theme on the new site.

SO… what if I did the following?

1. Create a new database on new hosting plan with same database username and password as old site.

2. Export the database from her current/(old) site,

3. Do a search and replace on the .sql file I have exported (to change all instances of old URL to the new URL), and then import that into the new database for her new site.

Then the database part would be taken care of…

So then, could I copy all of the WordPress files over to the new server (GoDaddy), without that affecting the old site’s appearance?
This is the part where I get lost.

1, Install WordPress on the new site.
2. Export the content (including attachments) from the old site using Tools->Export
3. Import the content into the new site.
4. Install the old theme & plugins into the new site.
Job done!

Ok.. dumb question… but I didn’t originally build this site, and the theme was a premium theme that was purchased. Do I need that original theme file to install it again?

Also, will this method keep the old site intact, or will it be void of content after the export??

Thanks Esmi

EDIT: OH… ok, yeah I guess that is a dumb question. Basically I just upload the theme’s directory via FTP and then the theme is installed????? ….well, I guess then I have the option to install it within WordPress Dashboard.

When you upload the theme by FTP, it’ll be available for activation within the WordPress Dashboard.

All the content is in the database, so if you can import it successfully, it’ll be available on the new site.

Theme and plugin settings are also stored in the database. The biggest problem you’re likely to have is with the change of domain name. You’ll have to search and replace all the domain names in the database.

Try this plugin.
https://www.ads-software.com/extend/plugins/search-and-replace/

fonglh,

Thanks! Exactly what I needed. I appreciate you taking the time to read my question and give an in depth answer. I really appreciate it.

And you answered my questions.

So, yes, now I am trying to figure out the best way to search and replace all of the instances of the old URL in the database.

A little while ago, another member, CubeColour, … recommended that I use this search and replace tool…

https://interconnectit.com/124/search-and-replace-for-wordpress-databases/

At least, that is what he said he uses to accomplish this part of the site transfer.

Anyone else have experience or comments on this search and replace method? Thanks! Getting closer it seems to understanding this thanks to you guys here. Although still haven’t really done much yet, so we’ll see…

I haven’t actually used the plugin I suggested, but have seen other people link to it. Keep a backup of your database file just in case, then use whichever you find works for you.

Don’t worry, you can always drop the database on the new site and import it again.

Ok cool. Thanks again fonglh.

I’ll probably post again, once I have finished, and hopefully it’s a good finish.