Linux Migration FAQ

Q: Why is HostMySite upgrading me?

A: HostMySite is upgrading the infrastructure for a lot of our customers to improve the customer experience and allow our classic customers to get the same benefits that all of our newer customers enjoy.  These include newer hardware with more RAM and CPU, as well as a newer and better functioning control panel that allows for significantly more customer control and will even support one-click installs for popular applications like WordPress and more.

Q: What are the benefits related to this upgrade?

A: In addition to the new hardware mentioned above, our upgraded servers are running PHP 5.3! This means that your hosting plan will now support most content management systems, like Wordpress. The control panel is also vastly improved, allowing for the ability to upload files directly through the control panel without using FTP, as well as installing applications in a single click.  You can also take snapshots of your website for backup purposes, access SmarterStats and much more.

Q: How will this upgrade work?

A: HostMySite will automatically convert your existing plan into an equivalent new plan type and migrate your website over our newest servers.  We will run a 2-level deep Quality Assurance test on your site to test it and ensure that it works as expected on the new servers.  We will attempt to fix any issues that we can, but if not, we will provide you with the errors and some time to correct them before making your website live on the new servers.

Q: What about my Email or databases?  Are they being moved?

A: At this time, HostMySite is only upgrading the webservers for these accounts.  Email and database upgrades may happen at a later time.

Q: Why will I be unable to access the Classic Control Panel during these upgrades?

A: Due to the way our upgrade process works, we are unable to allow access to both the Classic Control Panel and all the features of the new Control Panel in the same subscription.  If you have an alternate Classic subscription, you can access the Classic Control Panel that way.  

Q: How do I access my files on the new subcription to make changes to my website?

A: The simplest way is to access the files on your new account is from within the Control Panel under the File Manager.  This support article will show you how to access them:  File Manager

Q: What if I want to use an FTP program? How do I get the FTP information to access it?

A: FTP information is stored from within the Control Panel as well and the password is never visible.  You will need to set/reset the password to your primary user by using this support article: Set Your Linux FTP information

Q: What if I need to make changes that I can only do through the Classic Control Panel?

A: Most of the functionality of the Classic Control Panel can be accessed directly, without using the control panel, if necessary.  Steps for doing this are below:

Email:

Any email functionality that is in the control panel can also be done by logging into Smartermail using the root user or any other administrator you may have created.  You can log into Smartermail directly at http://mail.yourdomain.com  Most of the functionality in the control panel can be found under Settings -> Domain Settings -> Users.

MySQL databases:

Customers will still be able to log into PHPMyAdmin through this direct link: https://pma.safesecureweb.com

Customers who use a version of MySQL prior to version 4 will need to use this link instead: https://pma.safesecureweb.com/pma2

MSSQL Databases:

Customers who use MSSQL databases can still access them directly through SQL Server Management Studio.  Should you need a copy of SQL Server Management Studio, you can download a copy from Microsoft here.

ColdFusion DSNs, IIS changes, Password Protection:

Unfortunately, this functionality will no longer be accessible until the migration is complete.  If you need to make any changes of this nature, please feel free to contact Support

Q: Are there any known issues related to the migration that I should be aware of?

A: Yes. There are several changes in our newer infrastructure that may require changes in customer code.  They are listed below for your review:

Email Forms:

Due to security reasons, any mail form that uses the default PHP mail() function or otherwise does not authenticate with a mail server will cease to function on the new server.  PEAR mail is included on these servers to allow customer an easy way to implement SMTP authentication.  A sample mail form can be found here

Absolute Paths:

Any code that references the absolute physical path of files on the server will need to be updated to use new paths.  Relative paths are preferred, as they will function no matter what server or subscription your website is using.  You can find information about relative paths for PHP here. You can find your absolute path by uploading a file containing the phpinfo(); function to your site and then searching the page for DOCUMENT_ROOT

Deprecated PHP Functions:

Any functionality that has been deprecated in PHP 5.3 will no longer work.  You can find a list of these deprecated functions for PHP 5.3 here.

Scheduled tasks:

Our newer servers still support scheduled tasks but cronjobs will not be automatically migrated.  You will need to recreate them using an SSH connection and the SSH information which this article will show you how to enable: Adding SSH to your Linux Account

Domain Aliases/Forwarding

Any domains that you had showing the same page as the migrated site will need to be set up once again, but done via the new Control Panel.  The new system requires data to be synced to the server in order to allow the domain to show content.  This support article will show you how to add those aliases or forwards: Adding a Website Alias

Q: My question is not answered here. What do I do?

Please feel free to contact our Technical Support team by phone, chat, or email.  Details for contacting Support are here.