Ready (almost) for prime time. What's the best way to transfer the site to godaddy?

The easiest, and fastest, way (IMO):

1. Install Akeeba backup
2. Backup the site (personally I always choose .jpa as the archive type)
3. Use FTP to transfer the .jpa file and a copy of Kickstart to the html folder on your new host.
4. Visit yourdomain.com/kickstart.php and follow the instructions. Kickstart unpacks everything and makes it live.

All you need to know is the database details (user, pass, etc) for the database on your new host.

i presume i install joomla on godaddy first?

also - client is on windows server plan - do i need to change this?

i presume i install joomla on godaddy first?

NO... The compressed file that Akeeba generates has your entire web site packed including Joomla, template, extensions, content and your current MySQL data. Once you FTP this compressed file and the kickstart.php file, you'll unpack the backup file by typing 'http://www.your_new_location.com/kickstart.php'. Once kickstrat.php does it's job it will generate a brand new Joomla Installation package will all of your old stuff packaged inside. Just type in your new domain name and the installation process will begin. As Seth, you will need to create a MySQL database within your host's control panel but that is about it. Quite easy and quite fast.

Ed

No, don't install Joomla first!! The Akeeba archive contains *everything*!

Re, Windows. I would advise against it, it is recommended to run Joomla on LAMP servers. I know that it can be done, but it is not without difficulties. If you can change the server set-up, do!

I can change to Linux hosting

just a blank SQL db?

yes, an empty DB. Just make sure that the Joomla user has all privileges for the DB.

by all the privileges, are you referring to 755, 775, 777, etc?

Ah, no. Sorry, wasn't clear enough!

I meant for the MySQL DB. If you are using cpanel to create the DB, there is a good run-through with screenshots here:

www.siteground.com/tutorials/php-mysql/mysql_database_user.htm

thanks! have started the switchover... will report back as to how it goes.

Cool. Good luck!

last question...does the destination folder need to be empty of everything except the akeeba archive and kickstart.php? There are some default godaddy db's and html files there and i wonder if i should leave them be.

Good question.

Personally, I empty the install folder. But, I think kickstart will quite happily just unpack the files around the preexisting ones. Unless there are files with the same name, they won't be touched so they will still be there after your Joomla site is installed.

Like I said, I would trash the folder myself. I like a clean slate approach.

Great info - got into a bit of pickle ftping a site this week so will give this a go.

On a complete tangent have you tried the restaurant 56 high st in Mold?
Mate owns it and wondered what it was like

Cheers
Paul

A few minor glitches, but given that the site was already getting large, I feel the process went rather well. I'm rooting through one or two lingering issues - the main one being a JFTP error - but the site is performing normally both from the front and back ends.

Had i followed this sequence, I could have avoided two false starts:

1) go ahead and empty the destination folder
2) copy in .htaccess (or copy in and convert htaccess.txt to .htaccess) (needs to be there in advance)
3) create an SQL database. the godaddy control panel will give you the exact address - it's long!
4) copy in the akeeba archive
5) copy in kickstart.php

then run mysite.com/kickstart.php from the browser

Well you just made the process a little easier for someone else
What is the JFTP error?

Cheers,
J

Class 'JFTP' not found in /home/content/48/5268148/html/libraries/joomla/filesystem/file.php on line 291

If I disable (un-enable?) ftp in the configuration panel, everything works... at least until I have to install a module, plugin or component. Then, not so much.

Front and back end editing work, with media manager handling photos, sound, etc.

Yeah the only solutions for that seem to be to turn off ftp layer as you have done. Can't contribute too much to this one.

Cheers,
Jason.

isn't turning off the ftp layer going to prevent me from installing modules, components and plugins?