Moving a non-WordPress website to GoZen Host follows the same general process: back up, transfer, reconfigure, test, switch DNS. Here’s a checklist for each type.

Universal Migration Steps

Regardless of what platform you’re on:

  1. Back up everything at the current host (files + database)
  2. Create your hosting account on GoZen Host
  3. Upload files to GoZen Host
  4. Import the database (if applicable)
  5. Update configuration files with new database credentials
  6. Test the site before switching DNS
  7. Update DNS to point to GoZen Host
  8. Verify SSL is active
  9. Cancel old hosting after confirming everything works

Joomla Migration

1. Back Up at Current Host

Using Akeeba Backup (recommended):

  1. Install Akeeba Backup on your current Joomla site
  2. Create a full site backup
  3. Download the .jpa backup file and the Akeeba Kickstart script

Manual method:

  1. Download all files via SFTP or File Manager
  2. Export the database via phpMyAdmin

2. Set Up on GoZen Host

  1. Create a database in cPanel > MySQL Databases
  2. Upload the Akeeba backup file and Kickstart to the new hosting
  3. Run Kickstart in your browser: yourdomain.com/kickstart.php
  4. Follow the wizard (enter new database credentials)
  5. Delete Kickstart files after restoration

Or for manual migration:

  1. Upload all files
  2. Import database via phpMyAdmin
  3. Edit configuration.php with new database details:
      public $host = 'localhost';
public $db = 'new_database_name';
public $user = 'new_database_user';
public $password = 'new_password';

Drupal Migration

1. Back Up 

  # Export database
drush sql-dump > drupal_backup.sql
# Or via phpMyAdmin export

# Download all files (including sites/default/files/)

2. Restore on GoZen Host

  1. Upload all Drupal files to public_html/
  2. Create a database and user in cPanel
  3. Import the database via phpMyAdmin
  4. Edit sites/default/settings.php:
      $databases['default']['default'] = array(
    'driver' => 'mysql',
    'database' => 'new_database',
    'username' => 'new_user',
    'password' => 'new_password',
    'host' => 'localhost',
);
  5. Clear caches: visit /admin/config/development/performance and click Clear all caches

Static HTML Sites

The simplest migration:

  1. Download all files from your current host
  2. Upload to public_html/ on GoZen Host (via File Manager or SFTP)
  3. Verify the site loads
  4. Switch DNS

No database needed. Just files.

Custom PHP Applications

1. Back Up

  • Download all application files
  • Export the database(s) via phpMyAdmin or command line
  • Note down any server-specific configurations (PHP version, extensions, cron jobs)

2. Restore on GoZen Host

  1. Upload files to public_html/
  2. Create database(s) in cPanel > MySQL Databases
  3. Import database(s) via phpMyAdmin
  4. Update your application’s configuration file with new database credentials
  5. Check PHP version compatibility (MultiPHP Manager in cPanel)
  6. Install any required PHP extensions (contact support if needed)
  7. Set up cron jobs if your app uses them (cPanel > Cron Jobs)

Common Config File Locations

Application/FrameworkConfig File
Custom PHPconfig.php, database.php, .env
Laravel.env
CodeIgniterapplication/config/database.php
Symfony.env or config/packages/doctrine.yaml
PrestaShopapp/config/parameters.php

Post-Migration Checklist

After transferring files and database:

  • Site loads on GoZen Host (test via hosts file or temporary URL)
  • All pages and functionality work
  • Forms submit correctly
  • Email delivery works (check MX records)
  • Login/authentication works
  • File uploads work
  • Cron jobs are configured
  • SSL certificate is active
  • PHP version is correct
  • Error reporting is set to production level
  • DNS updated to GoZen nameservers
  • Old hosting cancelled (after 30-day safety period)

DNS Switch

When everything is tested, update your nameservers:

cPanel hosting:

  ns1.gozenhost.com
ns2.gozenhost.com
ns3.gozenhost.com
zen.gozenhost.com

Cloud hosting (Enhance):

  ns1.en.gozenhost.com
ns2.en.gozenhost.com

See DNS Propagation Explained for timing expectations.

Last updated 19 Apr 2026, 23:46 +0300. history

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