I need to set up a site, then point a domain name currently in use on another site to it.

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mmc74
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I want to re-create my current site using Wordpress on InMotion, then redirect my currently in-use URL to it. I want the current site to remain active while I do that. How do I get started? Do I need to purchase a "test" URL and install Wordpress on that first?
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Arn
Hello Mmc74, This kind of thing depends on what you want to see and the timing of your transfer. IF you need to see the site RUNNING over here before you move the domains, then you will need to use some type of domain name here. We do supply a "temporary URL" which can be used in place of the primary one for Wordpress installations OR you can always register another. That will be up to you. Bear in mind that registering a new domain name has a per year cost ($11.95 for us) and requires up to 24 hours for propagation to complete before you can actually use the domain name on the internet. Wordpress is a URL-centric application - this means that it will not operate properly without a domain name used in its installation. If you intend to MOVE the installation to another hosting service and you do not want to disrupt the ongoing website, then your NEW installation will need to have a DIFFERENT URL used in its installation. I will provide you an article at the end of this reply that will take you through that process. I'm going to first list for you the typical steps involved in this process: 1) If you are intent on minimizing downtime and keeping the existing website running at the old host... you will first need to obtain all of the required files for transferring Wordpress (you'll see this information in the links below) 2)You will also need a backup of the SQL database being used by your current domain. If you have any type of activity going that is date critical, you need to provide for a possible few days of interruption because once you start the transfer process, your data will no longer updating on the new installation, while the import is in progress. 3) Once you have your backups, your next step is to install a BLANK copy of wordpress on the new hosting site 4) You will need to EDIT the configuration files for this installation (with your old installation. You will be using the TEMP URL in the configuration files 5)once the blank install is complete, you begin the transfer of the old files. You will need to move the files from the old site into the same location (but on the new server). 6) You will need to do a database transfer 7) When the file transfer is complete and you're set with the new temp URL, then you should be be able to test the site using the temp url 8)Once the test is complete, you will need to POINT the domain name to us - this typically requires up to 24 hours of propagation time During this time, you would change the configuration files to use the OLD domain, then when the propagation completes, users will be using the new server instead of the old. Again, recorded activity should await completion of the transfer to minimize duplicate or missing information. Here are the Support center links for this whole issue: Changing the Wordpress Site URL and Home settings This is a good summary of the process: Migrating Wordpress I hope this gives you the information you need! If you have any further questions, please contact technical support or leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Regards, Arnel C.