With backed up files downloaded, the next step is to use those backed up files and exported mysql database to recreate that WP web site at a new web host or the localhost we also setup earlier.
- Locate the compressed file that you backed up and downloaded to your local computer. If your Mac uncompressed the file automatically, create a compressed ‘zip’ version which will upload faster to your new server.
- Navigate to the new location for your WP files. Copy the contents of that compressed file you downloaded to this new location and then uncompress it.
- If you are migrating to a new web hosting service use their cPanel or PLESK file manager to navigate to the new location for your WP files. This will be called something like public_html, httpdocs or perhaps even the root of your domain. See your web hosts’ documentation for specifics.
- On a MAMP localhost website files located in a folder called htdocs. You will need to create a folder there with the name of your website (e.g., mysite.local). NOTE: Make sure all your disk, directory and file names have NO spaces in them.
- Now create a new mysql database and then import the database you downloaded earlier.
- Login to the cPanel (or Plesk) at your web hosting service or on MAMP the phpMyAdmin application to create your new database. Be sure to note the username and password you choose as you will need this information later.
- Some hosting services will have special tools or wizards for creating a new database. Search their support area knowledge base for details. For an example of one, see https://clients.whc.ca/en/knowledgebase/27/How-to-Create-a-MySQL-Database.html
- In MAMP localhost, launch phpMyAdmin. Choose the Databases option from the top Navigation button. Create a new database. Again, take note of the database username and password as you will need to enter that information later. If you are using MAMP, the default is root for both.
- With the new blank database created, go to phpMyAdmin and click on Import in the top Navigation area. Choose the .sql file you downloaded and click on the Go button. Stay on this page until the download has been completed and you are redirected to the database page which shows all the tables that have been migrated.