Transfer existing site

Can you also get access to the current hosting account?

I recommend moving WordPress by following the steps at https://www.ads-software.com/documentation/article/moving-wordpress/ but you’ll need access to the current hosting account to do that (which is also where you’ll find phpMyAdmin).

Hi James,
thank you for your reply. It seems to be quite simple, then. All I must do is copy via FTP all files and databases. I guess this is it.

Just to make sure I do not make mistakes, for moving files which is the main folder to copy? In other words where do I start copying files from? How do I identify which is the main folder to copy?

As for databases, do I simply export and import the database? Nothing else to do? Don’t I have to tell WordPress credentials and where is the database located?

Perhaps a video that displays this would help a lot. I will try to search for one.

I am working on trying to access to the current hosting account.

Let me know…
Many thanks

for moving files which is the main folder to copy?

The folder that contains the wp-login.php file and every folder below that.

As for databases, do I simply export and import the database?

Correct, just follow the steps at https://www.ads-software.com/documentation/article/backing-up-your-database/ and https://www.ads-software.com/documentation/article/restoring-your-database-from-backup/

Don’t I have to tell WordPress credentials and where is the database located?

Those are entered into the wp-config.php file.

Hi James,
I have two last questions to ask, if possible.
1. what should I prepare on the server where I have to migrate the entire website, in order to have wordpress ready to be used once I have to move it? Nothing at all or just the basics? Can you please shortly illustrate the steps from scratch?
I was thinking of just installing a new WordPress server, configure it with empty template, configur the database and then move (copy/paste) the files as you suggested. Is this correct? Any additional suggestion?

2. in a scenario where for some reason I fail to gain access to databse, can I opt for this solution: All-in-One WP Migration ?
Will this be able to export and import the entire site without having access to the database?

Thanks

1. The only thing you need to prepare on the receiving server is to set up the site so there’s a place to put the files and a MySQL database to restore the backup to, you don’t need to install WordPress there. Just make sure that you follow the steps at https://www.ads-software.com/documentation/article/moving-wordpress/
2. All-in-One WP Migration will probably work. If it comes to that, you can ask them at https://www.ads-software.com/support/plugin/all-in-one-wp-migration/

Excellent James, I got it.
Just to make sure, I have few more questions.

You say no need to install WordPress. So basically when installing WordPress from scratch it will bring the same identical result of copy/paste the entire content of the main folder, correct?

wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes and all the files from the main folder. This is WordPress as if I would have installed it from scratch, correct?

Is it possible to secure access to wp-admin with two factor authenticator?
Can you please suggest a valid plugin? So far I am using Microsoft Authenticator and would like to use it also for WordPress if possible so that I do not have a lot of different Authenticator Apps on my Android phone.

Thanks,
Spiro

Correct on the first two questions, just follow the steps at https://www.ads-software.com/documentation/article/moving-wordpress/

For two-factor authentication, I recommend https://www.ads-software.com/plugins/two-factor/

Hi,
thanks for the quick reply.
I consulte the page for two-factor authentication you suggested but I do not understand if is it compatible with Microsoft Authenticator.
Can you please help me out understanding?
Rather, I found by just googling this other Plugin that seems to have full compatibility with Microsoft App.
Two Factor Authentication

Do you know it? Any suggestion? Perhaps, something similar to this that perhaps you know well?
I wish, if possible, to keep using one App for all two-way Authentications.

I know it’s compatible with all standard forms of 2FA, but as for if that includes Microsoft’s, I don’t know.

The beauty of these free plugins though is you can try them all out to find the right one for you. ??