Moving an Account from a Non-cPanel Host to Your Reseller Account

If your old host is not a cPanel host or the total account size is over 3GB, you cannot perform a cPanel backup move. Instead, you will need to transfer the account manually. Below are the steps needed to perform a manual account move.

Moving an Account from a Non cPanel Server

Transfer Checklist

You will want to follow the checklist below to ensure your website transfer is successful. There may be some steps that do not apply to your specific move. For example, you may not have an SSL on your website or perhaps you have a third party email service. In these cases, you can skip those steps.

• Databases
• Website Files
• Email
• SSL Certificate
• DNS
• Domain Name

Transfer Steps

1. Databases – Before transferring a database, you must first create a new database in your target account. After that is created, return to your old hosting account and export the database. Once exported, you can then import the database to your reseller account. You can find full instructions with our article on migrating databases. Keep in mind that the server paths may be slightly different and that your account root folder with InMotion is the public_html folder.
2. Website Files – Moving the files is actually a simple process. First, find the location on your old host where the files are kept. Once found, you will want to download them to your local machine using FTP. (For instructions on using FTP, check our our FTP Beginner’s Guide.) Once the files are downloaded to your local machine you can then use the FTP client to connect to your reseller account and upload them.
3. Email – You will first want to create the email addresses you need within your reseller cPanel. You can then migrate your emails from the old host by using our guide on migrating emails.
4. SSL Certificates – If you have an SSL certificate on your old host, you will need to have it moved to your reseller server. The certificate will need to be rekeyed to work on your new server.
   – First, request a CSR from within your AMP.
   – Give the CSR to your original SSL host so they can rekey it for the new server.
   – Once that is done, simply submit a Third PartySSL Installation Request via your AMP. Our Support team will do the rest.
5. DNS – Once the other tasks are complete, you will want to point your domain to your new account’s name servers.

Once you have completed all the steps above, you will want to test your site by visiting it and testing all the pages. Check your functionality, images, etc. to be sure they are all present and working.