WordPress Site Backup and Migration Complete Tutorial: Fast Site Moving with the Duplicator Plugin

Website data securityand flexible migration is a must-have skill for every WordPress user. Whether it's to prevent accidental data loss, change hosting, or create a temporary test environment, a stable and reliable backup plugin is crucial. Today we'll show you a popular free plugin -- DuplicatorIt's a step-by-step process. Website BackupMigration and recovery operationsThe

What is the Duplicator plugin?

Duplicator is a program for WordPress websites.One-click Packaging,backing uprespond in singingmigration(used form a nominal expression)Free plug-insIt is suitable for website cloning, changing hosts or creating test sites.

Function and Role:

• Fast packaging of the entire website (including files + database)
• Creating downloadable backup packages in ZIP format
• Website cloning and migration between different hosts
• Build local or staging environments for testing

Advantages of the Duplicator plugin:

Its biggest advantage:The free version is enough to fulfill the basic needs of most usersThe interface is user-friendly and ideal for newbies.

procedure

Step 1: Install the Duplicator Plugin and Create a Backup Package

• Log in to the WordPress backend and click on theplug-in (software component)">"Installation of plug-ins"
• look for sth. DuplicatorClick to install and enable the plugin

• After successful installation, in the left menu click on the Duplicator > Packages

• Click the [Create New] button in the upper right corner to create a new backup.

Recommended Configuration:

• Backup Name: Customized name (do not use spaces, underscores or dashes are recommended)
• Archiving settings (Archive)::
  • If your website contains a lot of images or videos, you can choose to exclude the wp-uploads or other large folder
• Installer password protection(Recommended to be turned on):
  • Prevent malicious access to the backup restore page by setting a simple password like:pass123

After completing the configuration click [Next], the system will scan the current website configuration, confirm that there is no problem and click [Build]Start packing.

Step 2: Download the backup file (ZIP + installer)

You'll see when the build is complete:

• installer.php: Installation Script
• archive.zip: a zip package containing the complete site content and database

Click [Download Both Files] to save them locally.It is recommended that these two documents be kept in a safe placeThe following are some examples of the types of data that can be used for future restoration or migration.

Step 3: Website Migration: Upload and Restore to New Host or New Domain Name

Usage Scenarios:

• Changing Hosting Service Provider
• Change of website domain name
• Establishment of temporary test site

Procedure (CPanel example):

• Log in to the target host's File Manager

• Upload the installer.php and archive.zip files to the root directory of your website.

• Accessed in a browser:https://yourdomain.com/installer.php
• Enter the installation password you set before, click [Submit] to enter theDatabase Configuration

Database Configuration:

• Log in to the hosting control panel, create a new database + user, and authorize the

• Enter the database name, user name, and password on the Duplicator installation page

• Continue to the next step after successful verification

⚠️ Note: If the database is not empty, please ensure that important data has been backed up and the recovery process will overwrite the original content.

Step 4: Checking and cleaning up after the restore is complete

• After the restore is complete, Duplicator will automatically clean up the installer files and the zip archive.
• Log in to the new site's backend using the original site's administrator account

• Confirm that the site home page, articles, and functions are back to normal.

• Finally, go to the file manager to double-check that the installation files have been deleted to avoid security risks

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: I get "Page not found" when I access installer.php on my new host?
  • Please make sure you have uploaded installer.php to the root directory and entered the full path correctly.
• Q：Backup failure prompts server resource limitations?
  • It is recommended to enable the "Filter Settings", exclude large folders or batch backups; contact your host's customer service to raise the resource limit if necessary.
• Q: Can I use Duplicator to create temporary stations?
  • Sure, just revert to a new subdomain or local environment to set up a test site.

summarize

Duplicator is an easy-to-use, full-featured WordPress backup and migration plugin for various scenarios such as website moving, cloning, and test environment building. With just a few steps of operation, you can pack up your website, migrate to a new host or domain, and quickly complete the restore. If you want to know more WordPess related tutorials and information, please pay attention to thePhoton fluctuation networkIt contains the most complete WordPress tutorials with the best ambiance!WordPress Exchange CommunityThe