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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 ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌
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 actions:

  • Caches instance details: Stores instance information for faster dashboard loading
  • Initiates PageSpeed analysis: Scheduled 2 minutes after import to allow site stabilization
  • Creates DNS zone and records: If external DNS server is configured in PanelAlpha
  • Sets up email domain: If external email server is configured (mailboxes, forwarding)
  • Generates automatic SSL certificate: Orders and installs SSL 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, waiting for previous steps
  • In Progress (yellow/orange spinner): Step is currently being executed
  • Completed (green checkmark): Step finished successfully without errors
  • Failed (red alert icon): Step encountered an error and couldn't complete

When a step fails, the entire import is marked as failed, and you'll 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