Clone & Deploy Blog (Same Domain) From One Host To Another

In this scenario, I’m selecting to transfer my mom-in-law’s blog – FingerprintMinistries.com – from MediaTemple.net over to Hostgator.com.

First, we need to clone the existing blog. Either with FTP software or using your host’s File Manager (which we’re showing above), upload the ‘wptwin.php’ file.

With the ‘wptwin.php’ file uploaded, let’s open a new browser window, and open that file.

I’ve intentionally blurred the domain above, to remind you to execute ‘wptwin.php’ on your own target domain, not the one I’m working on

If you want to include non-WordPress folders you’ve created in your domain’s root directory, eg. a "media" folder of images, audio and video, that’s not part of the default set of WordPress folder structure, then checkbox #1′s "Include Non-WordPress Folder" option.

Otherwise, leave it alone, and click the "Click to Clone this Site" button now.

Since you’ve downloaded your cloned file, it’s time to delete the clone file off your host account for security. Simply click the "Delete This Clone" button to execute this action.

Our next step is to execute a fresh installation of WordPress on our desired destination (domain and/or directory) using cPanel (using Fantastico). However, we’ll need to setup a new add-on domain at our new host destination first.

Since my new host destination is at Hostgator.com, I’ll set up the add-on domain here. Let’s proceed…

Login with the address and credentials you’ve setup at your host account.

Next, we’ll locate the Addon Domains icon…

Now that your new add-on domain has been created, the next step is to install a fresh installation of WordPress in this new addon domain.

If you’re using a Hostgator account, click the ‘Home’ icon to return to your control panel.

Now that we’ve installed WordPress, it’s time to upload the ‘wptwindeploy.php’ file to this account. Let’s locate the "File Manager".

This tutorial assumes your understanding of how to setup your credentials in your FTP software, for uploading files. If you have this understanding, set up your new FTP account now, then upload the ‘wptwindeploy.php’ file into your new domain or destination’s root folder.

If you don’t, the next few steps will show you how to upload the ‘wptwindeploy.php’ file to your new domain/destination using your host account’s ‘File Manager’.

We’re about to upload the ‘wptwindeploy.php’ file, so let’s click the ‘Upload’ icon for the Upload Box.

With the ‘wptwindeploy.php’ file uploaded, click the next "Choose File" button to upload the cloned file you had downloaded previously to your desktop.

After your clone file upload is complete, let’s open a new browser window, and execute that file.

There’s a special note by the WPTwin developers below this screen capture I recommend you read. It states:

"When you deploy your clone, the username and password will be exactly the same as it is on the source site. The only settings that will not be overridden on the clone are the Site Name and Descripton (which you define in Fantastico during the installation). You can change your password after deploying the clone by accessing the WordPress Admin interface."

In a nutshell, everything from your old blog remains the same, except for the new Site Name and Description, which you created in your new WordPress installation. Naturally, you can change passwords of this new clone in your WordPress Dashboard.

Don’t be alarmed when you see an Error 404 – Page not found warning. This is only temporary.

Note: This is a use case whereby I’m planning to clone and deploy an existing blog and domain over to a new host using the same domain. (This step wouldn’t occur if you’re cloning and deploying a blog over to a separate domain).

When you point your domain’s DNS (Domain Nameservers) settings over to your new host (sidenote: settings will propogate in 24-48 hours), the home page posts will re-appear automatically. <phew!>

After waiting for propogation to take effect (by checking WHOIS.sc), I refreshed the URL, and all the blog posts appeared. It worked beautifully!

WPTwin (aff) by Wil Mattos and Jason Fladlien works well if you want to clone a blog setup and deploy it to various new blogs, and also for a scenario like mine above, where I need to port an existing blog on a domain over to another new host with the same domain. The process is fast, simple and effective, saving my sanity and endless hours doing it the manual way. Thanks Wil & Jason!

If you’re looking for a software script solution to:
- Save you time and headaches backing up and deploying clones of your blog anywhere you want
- Save you time automating your blog setups (ie. theme and plugin customizations)
- Backup your blog completely in seconds
… then seriously consider WPTwin (aff).

Now, I can enjoy my family this weekend instead of boring blog transfers!