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How to Migrate a WordPress Website from Web Hosting Canada (WHC) to Neurax Host

How to Migrate a WordPress Website from WHC to Neurax Host Manually

Overview

This guide explains how to migrate a WordPress website from Web Hosting Canada (WHC) to Neurax Host using a manual migration method.

The process involves downloading website files and the WordPress database from WHC, uploading them to Neurax Host, configuring the database, and testing the website.

This guide uses a sample WordPress installation hosted on WHC. The same general process applies to websites of different sizes, although larger or more complex websites may require additional steps.

Need help with migration? Neurax Host advertises free website migration assistance. If you prefer not to transfer your website manually, you can contact Neurax Host support to ask about migration eligibility, requirements, and assistance.

Website: https://www.neuraxhost.ca/

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • An active WHC hosting account.
  • A WordPress website hosted on WHC.
  • An active Neurax Host account with cPanel access.
  • Access to your domain's DNS settings.
  • Sufficient disk space on your computer.
  • A complete backup of your WordPress files and database.
  • Screenshots or records of important website settings.

Important: Keep your existing WHC website active until you have confirmed that the migrated website works correctly on Neurax Host.

Phase 1: Export Website from WHC

Step 1: Access WHC cPanel

Purpose: Open the WHC hosting control panel.

Instructions:

  1. Log in to your WHC account.
  2. Open the hosting service associated with your website.
  3. Launch cPanel.

Expected Outcome: You should reach the cPanel dashboard.

Step 2: Open the Backup System

Purpose: Access the available website backup tools.

Instructions:

  1. In cPanel, navigate to the Files section.
  2. Look for JetBackup 5 or another backup tool provided with your WHC hosting plan.
  3. Open the available backup interface.

Important: The availability of JetBackup 5 and its options may vary depending on your WHC hosting plan. If JetBackup is unavailable, use cPanel File Manager to download your website files and phpMyAdmin to export your database.

Expected Outcome: The available backup interface opens.

Step 3: Select Backup Type

Purpose: Identify the website files and database that need to be transferred.

Instructions:

  1. If JetBackup 5 is available, open the Restore & Download section.
  2. Look for the following backup categories:
    • Home Directory (website files)
    • Databases (MySQL database)
  3. Select the relevant backup options.

The exact labels and available options may differ depending on the backup system and hosting configuration.

Expected Outcome: Available website and database backups are displayed.

Step 4: Generate and Download Website Backup

Purpose: Prepare the website files for transfer.

Instructions:

  1. Select the desired backup date.
  2. Choose the available Download option.
  3. Wait for the backup system to prepare the archive.
  4. Check that the backup contains the correct WordPress installation.

If the backup tool is unavailable, open cPanel File Manager, locate the WordPress installation directory, compress the website files into a ZIP archive, and download it.

Expected Outcome: A downloadable website backup archive is generated.

Step 5: Download Backup Locally

Purpose: Save the website files to your computer.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Downloads section in the backup interface, if available.
  2. Locate the generated backup.
  3. Click Download.
  4. Save the archive to a secure folder on your computer.
  5. Confirm that the downloaded archive is complete and can be opened.

Expected Outcome: The website backup archive is saved locally.

Important: Some hosting backup archives contain additional directories or account-level files. Identify the actual WordPress website files before uploading them to the destination document root.

Step 6: Export WordPress Database

Purpose: Download the MySQL database used by WordPress.

Instructions:

  1. Open phpMyAdmin from WHC cPanel.
  2. Identify and select the WordPress database.
  3. Click Export.
  4. Choose Quick Export and SQL format.
  5. Click Go.
  6. Save the downloaded SQL file securely.

Example: database.sql

If you are unsure which database WordPress uses, open wp-config.php and check the DB_NAME value.

Expected Outcome: A WordPress database SQL file is downloaded.

Phase 2: Upload Website to Neurax Host

Step 7: Log in to Neurax cPanel

Purpose: Access the destination hosting account.

Instructions:

  1. Log in to your Neurax Host account.
  2. Open the hosting service associated with your website.
  3. Launch cPanel.

Expected Outcome: The Neurax cPanel dashboard appears.

Step 8: Open File Manager

Purpose: Access the website's destination directory.

Instructions:

  1. Open File Manager.
  2. Navigate to the document root assigned to your domain.
  3. For a primary domain, this may be public_html.
  4. For an addon domain or another domain configuration, the document root may be different.

To verify the correct location, open Domains in cPanel and check the Document Root column.

Expected Outcome: The correct website directory opens.

Step 9: Upload Website Backup

Purpose: Transfer website files to Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Open the verified document root in File Manager.
  2. Click Upload.
  3. Select the actual website archive downloaded from WHC.
  4. Wait until the upload reaches 100%.
  5. Return to File Manager and verify that the archive appears in the destination directory.

Important: Backup filenames are not fixed. Your downloaded archive may have a different name or format. If the archive is not supported by File Manager's extraction feature, prepare a compatible ZIP file containing the WordPress installation.

Expected Outcome: The uploaded website archive appears in the correct directory.

Step 10: Extract the Website Files

Purpose: Extract the website archive so WordPress files become accessible to the web server.

Instructions:

  1. Select the uploaded ZIP archive.
  2. Click Extract.
  3. Extract the files into the document root verified in cPanel.
  4. Wait for extraction to complete.
  5. Check the resulting folder structure.

Expected Outcome: You should see WordPress files and directories such as:

  • wp-admin
  • wp-content
  • wp-includes
  • wp-config.php
  • index.php

Warning: Ensure that the archive does not create an unnecessary nested directory.

Incorrect example:

public_html/public_html/wp-admin

Correct example, when public_html is the assigned document root:

public_html/wp-admin

public_html/wp-content

public_html/wp-includes

If the files are extracted into an extra folder, move the WordPress installation contents into the correct document root.

Also verify that hidden files, including .htaccess where present, have been transferred.

Phase 3: Create and Import Database

Step 11: Create a New Database

Purpose: Create a database that WordPress will use on Neurax Host.

Instructions:

  1. Open Manage My Databases in cPanel.
  2. Under Create New Database, enter a database name.
  3. Click Create Database.
  4. Record the complete database name shown in cPanel, including any account prefix.

Expected Outcome: A new database is successfully created.

Step 12: Create a Database User

Purpose: Create a database user that WordPress will use to access the database.

Instructions:

  1. Locate Add New User in the database management interface.
  2. Enter a username.
  3. Generate or create a strong, unique password.
  4. Click Create User.
  5. Save the full username and password securely.

Expected Outcome: The database user is created successfully.

Important: Save the credentials in a secure password manager. You will need them when configuring WordPress.

Step 13: Assign the User to the Database

Purpose: Grant the database user permission to access and modify the database.

Instructions:

  1. Locate Add User to Database.
  2. Select the newly created database user.
  3. Select the new database.
  4. Click Add.
  5. Check ALL PRIVILEGES.
  6. Click Make Changes.

Expected Outcome: The database user has the required permissions to operate WordPress.

Step 14: Import the SQL Database

Purpose: Restore the WordPress database exported from WHC.

Instructions:

  1. Open phpMyAdmin in Neurax cPanel.

  2. Select the newly created database.

  3. Click Import.

  4. Click Choose File.

  5. Select the SQL file exported from WHC.

    Example: database.sql

  6. Confirm that the correct database is selected.

  7. Click Go.

  8. Wait for the import process to finish.

Expected Outcome: A success message appears, such as:

Import has been successfully finished.

Important: If the import fails, check the selected database, SQL file integrity, and server upload limits before attempting another import. Large databases may require an alternative import method or assistance from hosting support.

Phase 4: Configure WordPress

Step 15: Edit wp-config.php

Purpose: Update WordPress to use the new Neurax Host database.

Instructions:

  1. Open File Manager.
  2. Navigate to your domain's document root.
  3. Locate wp-config.php.
  4. Right-click the file and select Edit.
  5. Locate the database configuration values.
  6. Update them with the new database details.

Example configuration:

define('DB_NAME', 'YOUR_DATABASE_NAME');
define('DB_USER', 'YOUR_DATABASE_USERNAME');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'YOUR_DATABASE_PASSWORD');
define('DB_HOST', 'YOUR_DATABASE_HOST');

Replace the placeholder values with the actual credentials for your Neurax hosting account.

Important: The database host may be localhost on some cPanel configurations, but this should not be assumed for every account. Use the database hostname specified by your Neurax hosting environment or confirmed by support.

  1. Save the file.
  2. Verify that the database credentials are entered correctly.

Expected Outcome: WordPress is configured to connect to the imported database on Neurax Host.

Phase 5: Verify Domain Configuration

Step 16: Verify the Domain

Purpose: Ensure the website domain is connected to the correct document root.

Instructions:

  1. Open Domains in Neurax cPanel.
  2. Verify that your domain is listed.
  3. Check the Document Root assigned to the domain.
  4. Confirm that the WordPress files are located inside that directory.
  5. Review the domain's DNS configuration.

Important: The document root is not always /public_html. It depends on the domain and hosting account configuration.

Before switching public DNS records, test the migrated website using a supported preview method or a local hosts-file override, if appropriate. A temporary URL or subdomain should only be used if it is available and correctly configured for your hosting account.

When the website is ready, update the required DNS records or nameservers through your domain's DNS provider.

Expected Outcome: The domain is correctly configured to serve the WordPress installation on Neurax Host once DNS resolution points to the new hosting environment.

Phase 6: Verify Website Functionality

Step 17: Test the Website

Purpose: Confirm that the migrated website is working correctly.

Instructions:

  1. Open the website using the configured domain or an approved testing method.
  2. Confirm that the website is being served from Neurax Host rather than the old WHC server.
  3. Check the homepage and important internal pages.
  4. Verify that images and CSS files load correctly.
  5. Test navigation menus and other important website functions.
  6. Confirm that no database connection errors appear.

Example domain:

https://yourdomain.com

Use HTTPS when a valid SSL certificate is already available. Otherwise, complete the SSL configuration before relying on the HTTPS address.

Expected Outcome: The website loads successfully from Neurax Host.

Step 18: Verify WordPress Admin Access

Purpose: Ensure the WordPress backend functions correctly.

Instructions:

  1. Open the WordPress login page.

    https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

  2. Log in using your existing WordPress credentials.

  3. Verify that the WordPress dashboard opens.

  4. Check installed plugins, themes, and important settings.

  5. Confirm that you can edit and save content.

Expected Outcome: The WordPress dashboard opens and works correctly.

Step 19: Enable SSL and HTTPS

Purpose: Secure the website using a valid SSL certificate.

Instructions:

  1. Open SSL/TLS Status or the relevant SSL management section in cPanel.
  2. Check whether a valid SSL certificate is installed for the domain.
  3. Run AutoSSL if the feature is available and required.
  4. Wait until the certificate has been successfully issued.
  5. Open the website using HTTPS.
  6. Verify that the browser accepts the certificate and the website loads securely.
  7. Return to Domains in cPanel.
  8. Enable Force HTTPS Redirect, if available.

Important: Only enable Force HTTPS Redirect after confirming that SSL has been successfully issued and HTTPS is working. Enabling a redirect before SSL is ready may prevent visitors from accessing the website normally.

Expected Outcome: The website loads securely and redirects HTTP visitors to HTTPS.

Post-Migration Checklist

Verify the following before considering the migration complete:

  • Website homepage loads from Neurax Host.
  • Important internal pages open correctly.
  • WordPress admin login works.
  • Images and website styling display correctly.
  • Contact forms send and receive messages.
  • Plugins and themes function correctly.
  • Permalinks work without 404 errors.
  • SSL certificate is valid.
  • HTTPS redirects work correctly.
  • Domain DNS records point to the intended hosting environment.
  • Database connection is working.
  • Email accounts and mail routing have been reviewed, if applicable.
  • A fresh backup has been created on Neurax Host.

Important: If your WordPress website receives orders, bookings, comments, or form submissions, plan the final database synchronization carefully. Changes made on the old WHC website after the database export will not automatically appear on Neurax Host.

Keep the WHC hosting account active until the new website and any associated email services have been fully verified.

Troubleshooting Guide

This section covers common issues that may occur during or after migrating a WordPress website from WHC to Neurax Host.

1. ZIP File Upload Fails

Symptoms:

  • Upload gets stuck.
  • Upload stops before reaching 100%.
  • Browser displays an error.

Possible Causes:

  • Unstable internet connection.
  • Browser or server timeout.
  • File size exceeds upload limits.
  • Insufficient destination disk space.

Solutions:

  1. Retry the upload using a stable internet connection.
  2. Check the available disk space.
  3. Confirm the archive is complete.
  4. Use SFTP for transferring large files when supported.
  5. Contact Neurax Host support if server limits prevent uploading the archive.

2. ZIP File Extracts into Another Folder

Symptoms:

The website files appear inside an extra directory.

Incorrect example:

public_html/public_html/wp-admin

Solution:

  1. Open File Manager.
  2. Locate the inner folder containing the WordPress installation.
  3. Move its contents to the actual document root.
  4. Confirm that wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-config.php are in the correct location.
  5. Remove the unnecessary empty folder.

Important: Always verify the assigned document root before moving files.

3. Website Shows "Error Establishing a Database Connection"

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect database name.
  • Incorrect database username or password.
  • Incorrect database hostname.
  • Database user permissions are missing.
  • Database server is unavailable.

Solution:

Open wp-config.php and verify:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'your_database_host');
  1. Confirm that the values match the destination database configuration.
  2. Verify that the database user has the required privileges.
  3. Confirm that the database contains the imported WordPress tables.
  4. Save the file and refresh the website.

If the issue continues, contact Neurax Host support to verify database connectivity.

4. SQL Import Fails

Symptoms:

  • phpMyAdmin displays an error.
  • Import stops unexpectedly.
  • WordPress tables are not imported completely.

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect database selected.
  • Damaged or incomplete SQL file.
  • File size exceeds import limits.
  • SQL syntax or compatibility errors.
  • Import process times out.

Solutions:

  1. Verify that the correct destination database is selected.
  2. Confirm that the SQL backup file is complete and readable.
  3. Review the specific error displayed by phpMyAdmin.
  4. Check the server's upload and import limits.
  5. If the backup is damaged, export the database again from WHC.
  6. For large SQL files, use an appropriate alternative import method or request hosting support assistance.

Important: Avoid repeatedly importing the same SQL file into a partially populated database without checking for duplicate tables or records.

5. Website Opens but Styling Is Broken

Symptoms:

  • Website appears without CSS.
  • Images are missing.
  • Layout appears broken.

Possible Causes:

  • Incomplete website file transfer.
  • Missing WordPress uploads.
  • Incorrect file paths or URLs.
  • Cached assets or mixed-content issues.

Solutions:

  1. Verify that the following directory exists:

    wp-content/uploads

  2. Check that the theme and plugin files were copied correctly.

  3. Inspect missing asset URLs.

  4. Clear WordPress, browser, and CDN caches.

  5. Re-upload missing files if required.

  6. Check for HTTP resources loading on an HTTPS website.

6. Website Displays 404 Errors

Symptoms:

  • Homepage loads, but internal pages return 404 errors.
  • Blog posts or other WordPress pages cannot be opened.

Solution:

  1. Log in to WordPress Admin.
  2. Navigate to Settings → Permalinks.
  3. Click Save Changes without modifying the permalink structure.
  4. Test the affected pages again.

WordPress will attempt to refresh its rewrite rules.

If the issue continues, verify the .htaccess configuration and server rewrite settings.

7. WordPress Admin Login Does Not Work

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect login credentials.
  • Database import issues.
  • Security plugin restrictions.
  • Incorrect WordPress site URLs.
  • Cookie or redirect problems.

Solutions:

  1. Verify your WordPress username and password.
  2. Reset the password if necessary.
  3. Confirm that the database was imported successfully.
  4. Check WordPress site URLs and redirects.
  5. Temporarily disable a conflicting security plugin if required.

8. Domain Opens Old Hosting Instead of Neurax Host

Possible Causes:

  • DNS records still point to WHC.
  • Nameservers were not updated correctly.
  • Cached DNS records are still being used.

Solutions:

  1. Check the domain's authoritative DNS provider.
  2. Verify the A, AAAA, or other relevant DNS records.
  3. Update the records to the correct Neurax Host values.
  4. Check DNS resolution using a DNS lookup tool.
  5. Allow time for DNS caches to refresh.

Important: DNS update times vary depending on TTL values, DNS providers, and caching behavior. Some changes may appear quickly, while others may take longer. There is no guaranteed worldwide completion time.

If your domain also handles email, review MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records before changing nameservers.

9. HTTPS Is Not Working

Symptoms:

  • Browser displays a security warning.
  • HTTPS connection fails.
  • SSL certificate is missing or invalid.

Solutions:

  1. Verify that the domain resolves to the intended hosting server.
  2. Open the SSL management section in cPanel.
  3. Install or issue a valid SSL certificate.
  4. Run AutoSSL if available.
  5. Confirm that HTTPS loads correctly.
  6. Only then enable Force HTTPS Redirect.

If HTTPS loads but some resources remain insecure, investigate mixed-content warnings.

10. Blank White Screen (White Screen of Death)

Possible Causes:

  • Plugin conflict.
  • Theme compatibility issue.
  • PHP error.
  • PHP version incompatibility.
  • Memory exhaustion.

Solutions:

  1. Check the website's PHP error logs.
  2. Verify that the selected PHP version is compatible with WordPress, themes, and plugins.
  3. If a plugin conflict is suspected, open File Manager.
  4. Navigate to wp-content.
  5. Rename the plugins directory to plugins_old.
  6. Refresh the website.
  7. If the website loads, restore the folder name to plugins.
  8. Re-enable plugins individually to identify the problematic plugin.

If the problem continues, investigate the active theme and PHP configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I migrate a website without connecting my domain immediately?

Answer: Yes. You can prepare and test the website before updating public DNS records. Depending on the hosting configuration, testing may be possible using a local hosts-file override or another supported preview method. Contact Neurax Host support to confirm whether a temporary URL or testing subdomain is available for your account.

Q2. Will migration delete my WHC website?

Answer: No. A manual migration copies website files and database information to the new hosting account. The original WHC website normally remains intact unless you delete it or cancel the hosting service. Keep the original website available until the migration has been verified.

Q3. How long does WordPress migration take?

Answer: Migration time depends on website size, database size, internet speed, server limits, and website complexity. Small websites may take less time, while larger websites can require several hours or more. These are general estimates, not guaranteed completion times.

Q4. Do I need coding knowledge to migrate WordPress?

Answer: No advanced coding knowledge is required for a basic manual migration. Most tasks can be completed using cPanel File Manager, phpMyAdmin, and WordPress settings. However, you should be comfortable handling website files, database credentials, and DNS configuration.

Q5. Can I migrate only the files without the database?

Answer: Not for a complete standard WordPress migration. WordPress stores important information, including pages, posts, users, and settings, in its database. Both the necessary website files and database content must be transferred.

Q6. What files are mandatory for WordPress migration?

Answer: Important WordPress files and directories include:

  • wp-admin
  • wp-content
  • wp-includes
  • wp-config.php
  • index.php

Also transfer applicable hidden files, such as .htaccess, and any custom files required by your website.

Q7. Why must wp-config.php be edited?

Answer: The destination hosting environment may use different database credentials and a different database hostname. WordPress needs the correct connection details to access the imported database.

Q8. Can I use the same database name on Neurax Host?

Answer: Yes, if the name is permitted and available. However, cPanel may add an account-specific prefix to the database name. Always use the complete database name displayed in Neurax cPanel.

Q9. Is it safe to delete ZIP files after migration?

Answer: Yes, uploaded ZIP archives can generally be removed from the hosting document root after the website has been tested successfully and a secure backup is retained elsewhere. Removing unnecessary backup archives also reduces storage use and the risk of exposing sensitive backup data.

Q10. How do I verify that migration succeeded?

Answer: Confirm that the homepage and internal pages load from Neurax Host, images display correctly, WordPress Admin works, plugins function, forms operate correctly, and HTTPS is enabled. Also verify that the database connection and domain DNS configuration are correct.

Q11. Does changing DNS immediately move the website?

Answer: No. Changing DNS records directs visitors toward the new hosting server as DNS caches update. The actual website files and database must already be migrated. DNS resolution timing varies and cannot be guaranteed for all users or networks.

Q12. What should I do before starting migration?

Answer: Before migrating, prepare:

  1. A complete website file backup.
  2. A complete WordPress database backup.
  3. Screenshots or records of important website settings.
  4. A record of DNS and email configurations.
  5. A migration plan that reduces the risk of losing new orders, bookings, or other website changes.

These precautions make troubleshooting and recovery easier if a problem occurs.

Q13. Does Neurax Host provide free WordPress website migration?

Answer: Neurax Host advertises free website migration assistance. Users who do not want to handle the manual migration process can contact the support team to confirm eligibility, migration requirements, and the assistance available for their hosting plan.

For more information, visit https://www.neuraxhost.ca/

Final Migration Recommendations

A successful WordPress migration involves more than uploading files and importing a database. The website must also be connected to the correct document root, use valid database credentials, resolve through the intended DNS configuration, and function correctly over HTTPS.

Before cancelling your WHC hosting service, confirm that your WordPress website, forms, plugins, email services, and important pages are working properly on Neurax Host.

For users who prefer assistance, Neurax Host's advertised free migration service may provide an alternative to completing every step manually. Contact support to confirm the service details before proceeding.

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