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Import Process

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    # Import Process

    • Import Steps Breakdown
      • Data Sources by Method
    • Post-Import Automatic Actions
    • Import Status Indicators
    • Migration Process Flow
      • Automatic Migration (Plugin Method with Login)
      • Automatic Migration (Plugin Method - Manual Install)
      • Automatic Migration (FTP Method)
      • Manual Migration
    • Related Documentation

    All migrations in PanelAlpha follow a standardized process with multiple steps, regardless of the import method used (automatic or manual). Understanding these steps helps troubleshoot issues and monitor progress effectively.

    # Import Steps Breakdown

    Each import goes through these steps in order:

    1. Install new instance — Create hosting account, set limits, domain, docroot, PHP/web server config, DNS (if enabled).
    2. Install plugin on destination (plugin methods only) — Fresh WordPress, migrator plugin, credentials configured.
    3. Prepare destination workspace — Stage directory, temp FTP (manual), permissions, server readiness checks.
    4. Install plugin on source (plugin auto-login path) — Log into WP admin, upload/activate plugin, link to PanelAlpha. Skipped if client installed manually.
    5. Prepare migration — Analyze source, size check, manifest/checksums, compatibility, download files + DB.
      • Plugin: transfer via plugin API with chunking
      • FTP: download via FTP/SFTP from source server
      • Manual: use uploaded ZIP and SQL files
    6. Run migration — Extract files, create DB, import SQL, update URLs (search-replace + serialized), update wp-config.php, set keys/salts, clear caches, validate.
      • Plugin-only tasks: auto-cleanup after plugin handoff
      • Manual: proceeds after verification; no stop button once started
    7. Clean up — Remove source plugin (auto-install), delete temp FTP and staging files, remove artifacts, finalize record and set instance active.

    # Data Sources by Method

    Step Plugin (Simple) Plugin (Manual Install) FTP/SFTP Manual
    Files source WP Admin via plugin API WP Admin via plugin API FTP/SFTP path wordpress-files.zip uploaded
    DB source Plugin export Plugin export FTP/SFTP download database.sql (or compressed)
    Stop mid-run Yes Yes Yes No
    Needs WP admin creds Optional (auto-login) No (client installs) No No

    # Post-Import Automatic Actions

    After successful import completion, PanelAlpha automatically performs the following:

    • Caches instance details: Stores instance information for faster dashboard loading
    • Initiates PageSpeed analysis: Scheduled 2 minutes after import
    • Creates DNS zone and records: If external DNS server is configured
    • Sets up email domain: If external email server is configured
    • Generates automatic SSL certificate: If AutoSSL/Let's Encrypt is enabled
    • Syncs report providers: Connects Google Analytics, etc.
    • Enables automatic backup: Activates backup schedule if configured for the plan
    • Sends notifications: Notifies user and admins about successful import

    # Import Status Indicators

    Each step can have one of the following statuses:

    • Not Started (gray circle): Step hasn't been executed yet
    • In Progress (yellow/orange spinner): Step is currently being executed
    • Completed (green checkmark): Step finished successfully
    • Failed (red alert icon): Step encountered an error

    When a step fails, the entire import is marked as failed, and you will see:

    • The specific step that failed highlighted in red
    • Detailed error message describing what went wrong
    • Step-specific error details in the Logs tab
    • Suggested actions to resolve the issue
    • Retry option to re-run the migration

    # Migration Process Flow

    # Automatic Migration (Plugin Method with Login)

    1. Client initiates import and enters WordPress URL.
    2. Provides WP admin credentials.
    3. PanelAlpha validates credentials and lets client choose service/options.
    4. PanelAlpha logs into WordPress and installs migration plugin.
    5. Plugin analyzes source, downloads files and database.
    6. Uploads to destination, extracts/imports, configures WordPress.
    7. Cleanup completes and migration is marked done.

    # Automatic Migration (Plugin Method - Manual Install)

    1. Client initiates import and enters WordPress URL.
    2. Downloads plugin ZIP and installs/activates it in WordPress.
    3. Plugin connects to PanelAlpha; client selects service/options.
    4. Plugin analyzes source, downloads files and database.
    5. Uploads to destination, extracts/imports, configures WordPress.
    6. Cleanup completes and migration is marked done.

    # Automatic Migration (FTP Method)

    1. Client initiates import and enters WordPress URL.
    2. Provides FTP/SFTP credentials and path.
    3. PanelAlpha verifies connection and detects WordPress install.
    4. Client selects service and options.
    5. PanelAlpha downloads files and database via FTP/SFTP.
    6. Uploads to destination, extracts/imports, configures WordPress.
    7. Cleanup completes and migration is marked done.

    # Manual Migration

    1. Admin initiates migration and selects user + service.
    2. PanelAlpha creates instance and generates temporary FTP credentials.
    3. Admin uploads wordpress-files.zip and database.sql (or compressed).
    4. Admin clicks Verify; PanelAlpha validates uploads.
    5. Admin clicks Continue Import to extract/import.
    6. PanelAlpha configures WordPress.
    7. Cleanup completes and migration is marked successful.

    # Related Documentation

    • Migration Types — Understand different migration methods
    • Managing Migrations — Monitor and manage migrations
    • Migration Details — Detailed information about each migration
    • Troubleshooting — Solve common migration issues