Overview This guide explains how to migrate a WordPress website hosted on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to Neurax Host. The process involves exporting website files and the WordPress database from a Google Compute Engine instance and restoring them on Neurax Host.
Prerequisites Before you begin, ensure you have: • An active Google Cloud Platform account • Access to the Compute Engine VM hosting WordPress • SSH access to the server • An active Neurax hosting account with cPanel access • Access to the website domain
Phase 1: Export Website from GCP Step 1: Connect to the Compute Engine Instance
- Log in to Google Cloud Console.
- Navigate to: Compute Engine → VM Instances
- Select the VM hosting WordPress.
- Click SSH. Expected Outcome You are connected to the server.
Step 2: Locate the WordPress Installation Common WordPress locations: /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 located.
Step 3: Create a Website Backup Navigate to the WordPress directory: cd /var/www/html Create a ZIP archive: zip -r backup.zip . Expected Outcome A file named: backup.zip is created.
Step 4: Download Website Files Transfer the archive to your local computer using SCP: gcloud compute scp instance-name:/var/www/html/backup.zip . Expected Outcome The website backup downloads successfully.
Step 5: Export the WordPress Database Locate database credentials from: wp-config.php Export the database: mysqldump -u DB_USER -p DB_NAME > database.sql Expected Outcome A file named: database.sql is created.
Step 6: Download the Database Backup Download the SQL file: gcloud compute scp instance-name:/var/www/html/database.sql . Expected Outcome The database backup is saved locally.
Step 7: Verify Downloaded Files Ensure you have: backup.zip database.sql Expected Outcome All migration files are available locally.
Phase 2: Import Website into Neurax Host Step 8: Log in to Neurax cPanel Log in to your Neurax hosting account and open cPanel.
Step 9: Upload Website Files
- Open File Manager.
- Navigate to: public_html
- Upload: backup.zip Expected Outcome The ZIP file appears inside public_html.
Step 10: Extract Website Files
- Select: backup.zip
- Click Extract. 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 database user is created.
Step 13: Assign User to Database
- Add the user to the database.
- Grant ALL PRIVILEGES. Expected Outcome The database user has full access.
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'); Expected Outcome WordPress connects to the Neurax database.
Step 16: Update DNS Update the domain to point to Neurax using: • Nameservers OR • A Record Expected Outcome The domain begins resolving to Neurax.
Step 17: Enable SSL
- Run AutoSSL.
- Enable Force HTTPS Redirect. Expected Outcome The website loads securely over HTTPS.
Step 18: Test the Website Verify: • Homepage loads correctly • Images display properly • Forms work correctly • WordPress Admin is accessible Expected Outcome The website functions correctly on Neurax Host.
FAQs Can I migrate from Google Cloud Marketplace WordPress? Yes. The export process is the same as any WordPress installation on a Compute Engine VM. Will migration affect my GCP website? No. The migration process copies files and databases. The original website remains unchanged. Do I need SSH access? Yes. SSH access is required for manual migration.
Troubleshooting Error Establishing Database Connection Verify database credentials in wp-config.php. Website Loads Without Images Confirm that wp-content/uploads was migrated successfully. 404 Errors After Migration Resave WordPress Permalinks. DNS Changes Not Working Allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.
Migration Complete Your WordPress website has now been successfully migrated from Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to Neurax Host.