How do I move joomla site from my computer to my domain?

[vmcclenton]

Being a pretty new web-developer I would like to build my website on my own computer (localhost) first and then once I like what I have upload (publish) it to my domain. Then as I continue to change things, I would like to still get it right on my own computer first and then once it's good update the site on my domain. I'm using Joomla 1.5 and have it installed already on my domain and on my computer.


I know that I could just play around with joomla on my computer and then once I have it how I want it, go to joomla on my domain and do the same thing there, but I imagine there must be a faster/easier way. I'm hoping it's something like "just use filezilla to upload these folders to your domain, overwriting the folders, and then maybe change a line or two of code in the configuration.php file or something simple like that).

Can anyone tell me how to do this?

[felgall]

There would be two parts to copying the setup across. One would be uploading any actual files that you have changed which you would handle as you suggested.

The other is all the changes that you make that just update entries in the database. You might be able to handle those by backing up the database on one computer and restoring it to the other. You might need to be selective as to what tables are copied as you will not want to overwrite anything on the server that isn't reflected on your computer (such as comments added by visitors).

[shassler]

I've moved several sites from my local computer to new servers, including to BlueHost, by following these instructions: How to Move Your Joomla Site to a New Server (http://www.howtojoomla.net/20090208101/how-tos/installation/how-to-move-your-joomla-15-site-to-a-new-server)

You have to pay close attention to the changes needed in the configuration.php file but it's so much easier than a fresh install. The trick is knowing EXACTLY what those changes should be. Also, if you're using cpanel to make the changes after uploading your site files, you'll need to change permissions to 0744 to edit your config file, then change back to 0644 or 0444 for security. Or, I recommend you make changes in the config file on your local computer and upload that.

FYI: I have not tried this on GoDaddy servers where nothing is easy. Stick with BlueHost if you're new to this. My clients have been happy with their service. I charge extra to work with a client who insists on using GoDaddy servers!

Good luck! PM me if you need help.

Sharon

[beormakate]

Similar to the original poster, I have created a Joomla site on localhost and now want to move it all onto Bluehost, where I can continue to develop BEFORE making it live. However, my "normal" site is already up and running on Bluehost and I want to keep it that way until my Joomla site is ready to roll - then I will make the Joomla site the live one. I want to migrate to Bluehost from localhost before adding too much to the site as I am sure that the more I develop, the more problems there will be when I move.

I have not installed Joomla on Bluehost.

So my first question, should I set up a new folder on the host, for example /newsite instead of copying all my files from localhost onto the root directory?

Then should I try to follow the instructions on http://www.howtojoomla.net/20090208101/how-tos/installation/how-to-move-your-joomla-15-site-to-a-new-server

Do these instructions also apply if you are simply moving from the localhost server, rather than a remote server?

I am really nervous about starting this process as I don't know where to start!

Thanks for any advice.