[SOLVED] Remove redirection on install steps [migration of sites to a new host]

[darren-s]

Hi,

I am migrating a CMSMS 1.7 site from an existing host with an existing domain, to a new host on a preview URL. (the preview will be in use until the DNS is switched over)

However, when i go to www.preview_URL.com/install and click the [Step 1] button, it redirects to the existing domain on the old server instead of staying on the preview URL.

Does anyone know how to prevent this redirection? (or get around it?)

As far as i know i cant use the config.php base URL method because the config.php file does not get created until later in the installation process.  ive tried .htaccess too and that doesnt seem to work.

Thanks very much in advance for any assistance!

Darren.

[owr_bgld]

"copy&paste" doesn't work?

Copy files from old to new url, backup database - restore at new host, change config.php and .htaccess to new host and database login normally should work

[darren-s]

Hi,

For some reason when i try the 'easy way' copying and pasting some of the modules/extensions seem to fail (eg menu manager and user defined tags) and it takes longer to fix than do a fresh install and copy the DB/Files only, that's why i go for a new installation. (if anyone can tell me why the mods/extns fail then please do)

Anyway, to work around the issue i posted originally here's what you do:

1. buy a new domain name [eg mydomain.com]

2. point it at your server host's DNS

3. get your host to point the * record on you new domain at your new server.

4. when you add a hosting account to your control panel (plesk/cpanel etc) add a domain alias, eg: mywebsite.mydomain.com and use that to preview / install CMSMS.

5. when you want to launch your website from your new server, replace the URL in the $config['root_url'] in config.php

6. then you need to change the DNS on your live domain, to point to your new server and not your old one.

Hope this helps!

Darren.

[wy0453]

A very good post and certainly these are points really useful.

[kermit]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

if you want to work on a new site at a new host for an existing domain & site hosted elsewhere, a simple edit to your own hosts file will allow you to access the domain's new account and web space by its correct domain name before you change the dns to point to the new host... it's a lot easier than screwing around with temporary url, domain or accessing by ip when setting up cmsms on the new hosting account. when you do finally change the dns over, you shouldn't have any configuration changes to make, or url's to change, on the new cmsms site.

[darren-s]

Hi,

Thanks for your comments about the host file. very useful and if it was just me viewing the site i would probably do that.

However as i need to let people view and approve the site on the new server, editing the hosts file is not practical as the users who need to view the site may not be as tech savvy as us.

Thanks again everyone, keep up the good work!

D.