Overview This guide explains how to migrate a WordPress website hosted on Microsoft Azure to Neurax Host. The process involves exporting website files and the WordPress database from Azure and restoring them on Neurax Host. This guide assumes WordPress is hosted on an Azure Virtual Machine (VM) running Apache or Nginx with MySQL/MariaDB.
Prerequisites Before you begin, ensure you have: • An active Microsoft Azure account • Access to the Azure Virtual Machine 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 Azure Step 1: Connect to the Azure Virtual Machine
- Log in to the Azure Portal.
- Navigate to Virtual Machines.
- Select the VM hosting the WordPress website.
- Connect using SSH. Example: ssh username@server-ip Expected Outcome You are logged in to the Azure server.
Step 2: Locate the WordPress Installation Common WordPress locations: /var/www/html or /var/www/wordpress Verify that the following files exist: • wp-admin • wp-content • wp-includes • wp-config.php Expected Outcome The WordPress installation directory is identified.
Step 3: Create a Website Backup 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 Transfer the archive to your local computer using SCP: scp username@server-ip:/var/www/html/backup.zip . Expected Outcome The website backup is downloaded locally.
Step 5: Export the WordPress Database Locate database credentials in: 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: scp username@server-ip:/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 ready for import.
Phase 2: Import Website into Neurax Host Step 8: Log in to Neurax cPanel Log in to your Neurax account and open cPanel.
Step 9: Upload Website Files
- Open File Manager.
- Navigate to: public_html
- Upload: backup.zip Expected Outcome The ZIP archive appears in 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 Edit: 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 successfully 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 • Navigation works • WordPress Admin is accessible Expected Outcome The website functions correctly on Neurax Host.
Migration Complete Your WordPress website has now been successfully migrated from Microsoft Azure to Neurax Host.
FAQs Can I migrate directly from Azure App Service? Yes, but the export process differs from Azure VM-based WordPress installations. Will migration affect my Azure website? No. Migration copies files and databases; the original website remains operational. Do I need SSH access? Yes. SSH access is typically required for manual migration from Azure VMs.
Troubleshooting Error Establishing Database Connection Verify database credentials in wp-config.php. Website Displays 404 Errors Resave Permalinks in WordPress Admin. Images Are Missing Verify that wp-content/uploads was migrated successfully. DNS Changes Not Working Allow up to 48 hours for DNS propagation.