Choosing the right hosting service is essential for the optimum performance of your website since it resides on it. As your site grows, its hosting requirements change, and you need to upgrade to a better server. 

Different web hosting services are available, like shared hosting, cloud hosting, VPS hosting, and Dedicated Server Hosting. While most small websites start with a shared hosting plan, they upgrade to a cloud or VPS server as they grow. Once they have outgrown a VPS hosting plan, they will upgrade to a Dedicated Server.

When you buy Dedicated Server Hosting, your website is the sole resident of the server. Therefore, dedicated Servers are the most powerful hosting options allowing you to make any change as needed for the optimum performance of your site. 

You can choose between Windows and Linux Dedicated Server Hosting, HDD and SSD Dedicated Hosting, and Unmanaged and Managed Dedicated Server Hosting plans. 

You must plan the migration carefully if you are currently using VPS Hosting and have decided to upgrade to a Dedicated Server. 

While you might buy the best Dedicated Server Hosting plan, if you don’t plan the migration right, it can corrupt files and cause the site to malfunction. This article will offer simple steps to help you transition from a VPS Server to a Dedicated Server.

Step 1: Choose the right Dedicated Server Hosting plan

There are different types of Dedicated Server Hosting plans available. Also, Dedicated Servers are offered in various configurations and with varying features. 

Think about the hardware you need, the computing power, bandwidth, IP addresses, and other technical aspects. Also, consider additional features like an SSL Certificate, DDoS Protection, etc., based on your site’s needs.

Step 2: Check the IP Address of the server

If the user occupying the server before you had resorted to malpractices, the server’s IP address might be blacklisted. 

Hence, make sure you check the status and reputation of the IP address of the Dedicated Server.

Step 3: Do not discontinue your VPS Hosting plan immediately

Even if you have successfully migrated your site to a Dedicated Server, ensure you don’t discontinue your VPS Hosting plan in haste. 

Pay charges for both plans for a month and allow your site to settle into the new environment before discontinuing the old one.

Step 4: Backup before migration

It is prudent to back up your entire site before initiating the transition to protect yourself from unexpected data loss or corruption. 

Step 5: Install the required software

Before moving databases and files, ensure that you install software and applications required by your site to function. 

These can include the CMS platform used by your site, etc. 

Step 6: Change the DNS

To effect the transition, you will have to change the DNS of your site from the VPS Server to the Dedicated Server. 

Step 7: Transfer databases and files

Once you have set up the necessary software and changed the DNS, transfer your databases and files to the Dedicated Server.

Step 8: Test your site

Before making your site live on the Dedicated Server, ensure that you test it to check if all site elements are functioning as they should. 

You can also use server diagnostic tools to ensure that the server runs smoothly. 

After completing these steps, you can transfer the DNS and deactivate the existing VPS hosting plan.

Summing Up

Migrating your website from one web server to another can be challenging. 

While transitioning from a VPS to a Dedicated Server is not complex, it requires you to follow the above steps and ensure a smooth transition.