Overview

This article provides the best way to move a domain between two (mt) Media Temple accounts. In this tutorial, we will move example.com between Account A and Account B. If you perform these steps correctly, you should experience little downtime.

Instructions

Step 1: Make sure your website's software can run under Account B

Are they both the same server type/version? If you are moving from one (gs) Grid-Service to another or between like (dv) services, you should be fine. You may need to account for site path changes, database connection strings, etc. in any other situation. For example, the (gs) Grid-Service may have a MySQL GridContainer that would not run on a (dv) without significant changes to a stock (dv) configuration.

Step 2: Backup your Files

Before proceeding please make sure to preserve your site's content. These links may be helpful:

• (gs) Backing Up Site Content
• Export and import MySQL databases
• (dv) Backup Options

Step 3: Add the domain to Account B and upload your content

• (gs) Grid-Service: Since the zone file for the domain is associated with a service on account A, you will NOT be able to add the domain(s) via the AccountCenter to Account B.
  • On Account B, simply create the directory structure for the domain, e.g. /domains/example.com/html/. Then upload your content.
  • You can preview the domain with the Access Domain for your service on Account B.
• (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Servers: Simply add the domain within Plesk and upload your content, or use the Plesk Migration manager to create the domain before adding your content.

Step 4: Verify the domain is displaying properly on Account B

(gs) Grid-Service customers can use the access domain to preview and test the domain. (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server customers can use the default IP Address feature in Plesk to preview the domain.

Step 5: Lower TTL Value for the domain

Now that your domain is added, login to Account A. Select the domain from the Domains drop-down menu. Click on Edit Zone File, and then click on "Lower TTL Value." Please wait at least 24 hours before proceeding to step 6. To learn more about DNS, please see: DNS Explained.

Step 6: Move the DNS Zone File to Account B

Now that the verification is complete, you can safely move the DNS zone with the following steps:

1. Sign into your AccountCenter for Account A.
2. Select your domain from the Domains drop-down menu.
3. Click on Remove Zone File to remove the zone file from Account A.
4. Log out of the AccountCenter for Account A.
5. Sign into the AccountCenter for Account B.
6. Hover over the Domains tab and click on Add New Domain or Service, see Figure 1.

   
   Figure 1.

7. Under Add Domains, click the Add Domain button. See Figure 2:

   
   Figure 2.

8. Type in your domain name. Do not use any of the following subdomains: www, ftp, email. Be sure to tick the box for "I already own this domain." See Figure 3 for reference.

   
   Figure 3.

9. Click on Next Step.
10. You'll now be returned to the "Overview" page of the AccountCenter. Your domain is listed under your selected server.

You will now have a zone file on Account B for your domain. Shortly thereafter, all your traffic will be routed to your new service. Please make sure all your content was moved properly, including your databases.

Step 7: (Optional) Move the Domain Registration to Account B

If you registered this domain with (mt) Media Temple, you will need to log into the AccountCenter for Account A and submit a support request, specifying your release of the domain registration to Account B.

The owner of Account B will also have to submit a support request, accepting the registration service and all associated fees (typically $12.00 per year).