Overview This guide explains how to migrate a WordPress website hosted on AWS EC2 to Neurax Host. The process includes exporting WordPress files and the database from AWS, importing them into Neurax, updating the configuration, and verifying the website after migration.
Prerequisites Before you begin, ensure you have: • An active AWS account • Access to the EC2 instance hosting WordPress • SSH access to the server • An active Neurax hosting account with cPanel access • Access to the website domain • Basic knowledge of SSH commands
Phase 1: Export WordPress Website from AWS Step 1: Connect to the AWS Server
- Open a terminal.
- Connect to the EC2 instance using SSH: ssh -i your-key.pem ubuntu@your-server-ip Expected Outcome You are logged in to the AWS server.
Step 2: Locate the WordPress Installation Navigate to the WordPress directory. Common locations include: /var/www/html or /var/www/wordpress Verify WordPress files exist: • wp-admin • wp-content • wp-includes • wp-config.php Expected Outcome The WordPress installation is identified.
Step 3: Create a Backup of Website Files Navigate to the WordPress directory and create a ZIP archive: zip -r backup.zip . Expected Outcome A file named: backup.zip is created.
Step 4: Download Website Files Download the backup archive to your computer using SCP: scp -i your-key.pem ubuntu@server-ip:/var/www/html/backup.zip . Expected Outcome The website files are saved locally.
Step 5: Export the WordPress Database Locate database credentials in: wp-config.php Create a database backup: mysqldump -u DB_USER -p DB_NAME > database.sql Expected Outcome A database export file named: database.sql is created.
Step 6: Download the Database Backup Download the SQL file: scp -i your-key.pem ubuntu@server-ip:/var/www/html/database.sql . Expected Outcome The database backup is saved locally.
Step 7: Verify Downloaded Files Ensure the following files exist on your computer: backup.zip database.sql Expected Outcome All migration files are ready for import.
Phase 2: Import Website into Neurax Host Step 8: Log in to Neurax cPanel
- Log in to your Neurax account.
- Open cPanel. Expected Outcome The cPanel dashboard opens.
Step 9: Upload Website Files
- Open File Manager.
- Navigate to: public_html
- Upload: backup.zip Expected Outcome The ZIP archive appears inside public_html.
Step 10: Extract Website Files
- Select: backup.zip
- Click Extract.
- Extract the archive into: public_html Expected Outcome WordPress files are restored.
Step 11: Create a Database
- Open MySQL Databases.
- Create a new database. Expected Outcome A new database is created.
Step 12: Create a Database User
- Create a database user.
- Generate a secure password. Expected Outcome A new database user is created.
Step 13: Assign User to Database
- Add the user to the database.
- Grant ALL PRIVILEGES.
- Save changes. Expected Outcome The user has full access to the database.
Step 14: Import the Database
- Open phpMyAdmin.
- Select the newly created database.
- Click Import.
- Upload: database.sql
- Click Go. Expected Outcome The database imports successfully.
Step 15: Update WordPress Configuration Open: public_html/wp-config.php Update: define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name'); define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user'); define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password'); define('DB_HOST', 'localhost'); Save the file. Expected Outcome WordPress connects successfully to the Neurax database.
Step 16: Update DNS Settings Update the domain DNS records to point to Neurax. Options: • Update Nameservers • Update A Record to the Neurax server IP Expected Outcome The domain begins resolving to Neurax. DNS propagation may take up to 24–48 hours.
Step 17: Enable SSL
- Open SSL/TLS Status.
- Run AutoSSL.
- Enable Force HTTPS Redirect. Expected Outcome The website loads securely over HTTPS.
Step 18: Test the Website Open: https://yourdomain.com Verify: • Homepage loads successfully • Images display correctly • Navigation menus work • Forms function correctly Also test: https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin Expected Outcome The website functions correctly on Neurax Host.
Post-Migration Checklist Verify the following: • Website homepage loads successfully • WordPress admin login works • Images load correctly • Contact forms function properly • Plugins are active • SSL certificate is installed • HTTPS redirects correctly • No database errors appear
Troubleshooting Error Establishing a Database Connection Cause Incorrect database credentials in wp-config.php. Solution Verify: • DB_NAME • DB_USER • DB_PASSWORD • DB_HOST Match the values created in Neurax cPanel.
Website Shows a Blank White Screen Cause Plugin conflict or PHP compatibility issue. Solution
- Rename: wp-content/plugins to: plugins_old
- Refresh the website.
- Re-enable plugins one at a time.
Website Loads Without Images or Styling Cause Incomplete file migration. Solution Verify: wp-content/uploads exists and contains media files.
404 Errors After Migration Solution
- Log in to WordPress Admin.
- Navigate to: Settings → Permalinks
- Click Save Changes. WordPress will regenerate rewrite rules.
SSL Certificate Not Working Solution
- Run AutoSSL.
- Wait for SSL issuance.
- Enable Force HTTPS Redirect.
DNS Changes Not Taking Effect Cause DNS propagation delay. Solution Allow up to 48 hours for global propagation.
Frequently Asked Questions Can I migrate my WordPress website without downtime? Yes. Complete the migration on Neurax before updating DNS records.
Will migration affect my AWS website? No. The migration process copies files and databases. The original AWS website remains unchanged.
How long does migration take? Most WordPress websites can be migrated within 30–60 minutes, excluding DNS propagation time.
Do I need SSH access to AWS? Yes. SSH access is typically required to export website files and databases from an EC2 instance.
Can I use a backup plugin instead of manual migration? Yes. Backup plugins such as UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, or Duplicator can simplify the process.
What files are required for migration? You must have: backup.zip database.sql Both files are required for a successful migration.
How do I verify that migration was successful? Verify: • Website loads correctly • WordPress admin login works • Images and media appear correctly • Forms and plugins function normally • HTTPS is enabled
Migration Complete Your WordPress website has now been successfully migrated from AWS EC2 to Neurax Host.