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Move to new server, keep hostname, keep/migrate IP

hub2000
  • Edited

Hello,

we want to move to a new server with transfer tool. During this process both servers will both run for a while. We need to keep the old hostname (e.g. for unchnged email header). So at the end the old server is switched off and the new server has the old hostname and the old IP.

I read that changing the hostname later will lead to some inconsistencies like remaining portions of the old hostname at several locations.

I am stuck right at the beginning of whm install onto the new server, as there is a contradicting help file:

https://docs.cpanel.net/knowledge-base/transfers-and-restores/how-to-move-all-cpanel-accounts-from-one-server-to-another/108/
During the installation process, select a hostname and main IP address for the new server:

V108 says (During install, before transfer):

  1. you must select a main IP address that differs from your old server - ok, clear, will change it later
  2. Select the same hostname, shared IP address, and nameservers that your old server uses. ok, i want to keep the hostname

V112 says (after transfer, source server shutted down): 

  1. select the same hostname, shared IP address, and nameservers that your source server uses.

So what is correct for the installation of whm onto the new server, both serberes running i paralel: can i take the old, existing hostname in order to have a clean install, but having two servers with the same hostname for a while (IP pointing to the old server) or is that not possible?

During installation of ten days (?)  i do not need the old hostname pointing to the temporary IP of the new server.

Comments

2 comments

Date Votes
  • cPRex Jurassic Moderator

    Hey there!  I'll go through and answer these in order to make sure I don't miss anything.

    There's nothing wrong with changing the hostname after the migration is complete.  People change server hostnames all the time, and as long as the DNS is pointed correctly it doesn't matter at all.  Now, you can configure the same hostname and just realize it isn't going to work until you make the IP change - you can just connect with the Transfer Tool using the IP address and that will work just fine.

    As far as that guide, you'll have to choose a unique IP address or nothing will work properly.

    Does that help to clear things up?

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  • Ahmad Latif

    Installing WHM on a New Server with Existing Hostname 

    You're on the right track! Moving your Noor al Qusais Renovation website to a new server with a transfer tool while keeping the old hostname for a smooth transition is possible. Here's a breakdown of the process, addressing the conflicting information you found:

    During WHM Installation:

    • Contradiction: The documentation seems to have conflicting information. Here's the clarified approach:
      • Hostname: Select a Temporary Hostname: Contrary to V112, it's best to choose a temporary hostname during WHM installation on the new server. This avoids conflicts while both servers run with the same hostname (old server's IP).
      • IP Address: Use a Different IP Address: As mentioned in V108, assign a unique IP address to the new server during installation. This ensures the old server continues to function while you configure the new one.

    After WHM Installation:

    1. Complete the Transfer: Use your preferred transfer tool to migrate accounts and data from the old server to the new server.
    2. Update DNS Records: Once the transfer is complete, point your domain's DNS records (A record) to the new server's IP address. This redirects website traffic to the new server.
    3. Change Hostname on New Server: Now that the website is operational on the new server, you can finally change the hostname to the old one (Noor al Qusais Renovation website's hostname) using WHM's "Change Hostname" function (WHM >> Networking Setup >> Change Hostname).
    4. Shutdown Old Server: After verifying the new server functions flawlessly with the old hostname and IP, you can safely shut down the old server.

    Important Considerations:

    • Email Headers: Since you're keeping the old hostname, email headers won't be affected during the transition.
    • Temporary Inconsistency: There might be brief inconsistencies during the DNS propagation time (usually a few hours) when the domain might resolve to the old server's IP before switching to the new one. This shouldn't significantly impact your website.

    By following these steps, you can successfully migrate your website to a new server while keeping the old hostname for a smooth transition same as I did for Noor al Qusais Renovation. Remember to update your DNS records and change the hostname on the new server at the appropriate time.

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