Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Before moving your website, make a copy of both its files and its database, store that copy somewhere outside the hosting account you are leaving, and confirm you know how to restore it on the new host. A database export alone is not a complete website backup: it does not include files such as images, themes, plugins, or code.
What a complete website backup includes
A website usually has two kinds of content to preserve: files and a database. The exact inventory depends on the platform, so check your CMS and host’s instructions; the procedural steps below are specific to WordPress and cPanel where noted.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Website files
For WordPress, save the whole WordPress directory. It includes the core files, themes, plugins, media uploads, and other site files. A database export will not include these.
The database
Export every database the site uses. For WordPress, the database holds posts and other generated content and settings. Keep the export clearly associated with the matching file backup.
#1 Best Overall
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
Other dependencies to inventory
Before starting, note the CMS, databases, domains and subdomains, DNS records, email service, SSL/TLS setup, scheduled tasks, and integrations your site depends on. A files-and-database copy does not automatically recreate those services or settings.
How to make and prepare the backup
- Back up before changing the site or hosting. WordPress recommends backing up the database regularly and before a move. Save the full WordPress directory and export its database. Depending on your access, you can use host backup software, an FTP client, or shell access. See the WordPress backup guidance.
- Keep a separate copy. Download both the files and database export to storage accessible independently of the old hosting account. WordPress recommends retaining multiple copies on different media; a hard drive is one example, not a backup solution by itself.
- Check that both parts are present and readable. Confirm the file archive contains the site files you need and that the database export exists and opens as expected. There is no universal verification test specified in the cited guidance. Do not describe a backup as restore-tested unless you have actually restored it.
- Prepare the destination. Create the new site and database as required by the host. Record the destination database name, username, and password. If those credentials differ, WordPress will need the updated values in
wp-config.php. For a phpMyAdmin import, select the destination database, import the SQL export, and check that the interface reports success. - Restore and check the site before directing visitors to it. The WordPress handbook describes restoring the files and then the database as a typical order. After restoration, check the home page and important pages, images, forms, login, and any business-critical transaction paths. This is a practical checklist, not a universal test prescribed by the handbook.
Account for URL changes, DNS, and email
If the domain or site URL is changing
Old URLs may remain in the WordPress database. WordPress warns that a plain database-wide search-and-replace can damage serialized values. Use a serialization-aware tool or WP-CLI where available, following the WordPress migration guidance. If the domain and URLs stay the same, this part of the move is simpler, but database credentials and rewrite rules may still need attention.
Rank #2
- 【Plug-and-Play Expandability】 With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use in Windows（For Mac，first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【Fast Data Transfers 】The external hard drives with the USB 3.0 cable to provide super fast transfer speed. The theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s, and the write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- 【High capacity in a small enclosure 】The small, lightweight design offers up to 500GB capacity, offering ample space for storing large files, multimedia content, and backups with ease. Weighing only 0.35 Lbs, it's easy to carry "
- 【Wide Compatibility】Supports PS4 5/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac and other operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with game consoles,various laptops and desktops .
- Important Notes for PS/Xbox Gaming Devices: You can play last-gen games (PS4 / Xbox One) directly from an external hard drive. However, to play current-gen games (PS5 / Xbox Series X|S), you must copy them to the console's internal SSD first. The external drive is great for keeping your library on hand, but it can't run the new games.
Check DNS and mail routing
Keep access to the account that manages DNS, and review the A and AAAA records, MX records, and custom TXT or other records. Do not assume an account transfer copies every record or mail setting. Keep the old hosting account available until the new site and relevant mail routing work.
Choose a migration route that matches your access
| Route | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Download files and export the database | Cross-provider moves, a portable backup, or cases where a control-panel transfer is unavailable. | Confirm the full file set, database export, destination credentials, restore method, and separate storage. WordPress guidance: backups and migration. |
| cPanel & WHM Transfer Tool | Eligible cPanel-to-cPanel transfers when the operator has root or elevated access. | Check source and destination access, tool limitations, DNS update settings, mail routing, custom records, and version-specific exclusions. See cPanel’s Transfer Tool documentation. |
| Host-provided migration service | When you prefer assistance or do not have the necessary administration access. | Ask what files, databases, email, DNS, SSL, and testing are included. Confirm how you will receive an independent backup and how you can check the result. |
What cPanel access changes
cPanel’s documentation says the Transfer Tool requires root or sudo/su privileges. Users with only account credentials should use the Transfer or Restore a cPanel Account interface instead. A live transfer can update A and nameserver records and adjust email MX configuration, but behavior depends on settings and server configuration. If DNS updates are disabled, zones, mail routing, or custom records may need manual setup; records present only on the source can be lost if that server is shut down.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High-capacity external hard drive with up to 2TB of storage The ModusTech Facet portable external hard drive gives you dependable HDD storage in a slim 2.5-inch design. Multiple capacities available up to 2TB — back up photos, videos, music, documents, and game libraries with room to grow. A trusted external storage solution for everyday backup, media archives, and creative work.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 connectivity with included 2-in-1 cable The Facet ships with a USB-C to USB-C cable and tethered USB-A adapter, so this external hard drive connects to modern laptops, USB-C iPhones, tablets, and older USB-A computers without buying an extra cable. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) interface delivers real-world transfer speeds up to 100MB/s — fast enough to back up 50GB of files in about 8 minutes.
- Plug-and-play external hard drive for PC, Mac, and laptops Preformatted in exFAT and ready to use the moment you plug it in. The Facet works out of the box with Windows PCs, macOS Macs, MacBooks, Chromebooks, and laptops — no drivers, no software, no setup required. A true plug-and-play external hard drive built for everyday use across every major operating system.
- External hard drive for PS4, Xbox One, and Smart TV gaming The Facet is compatible with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Smart TVs with USB support. PS4 and Xbox One games run directly from the drive — plug it in, format through the console, and add to your storage. Also works with Smart TVs that support USB recording or external media playback.
- Slim, shock-resistant portable external hard drive — 160g At 2.5 inches and just 160g, this portable external hard drive is bus-powered through a single USB-C cable — no separate power adapter, no extra cables. Slim enough for a laptop bag, jacket pocket, or camera bag, with a shockresistant casing and faceted diamond-texture top panel that resists fingerprints and everyday wear. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty from ModusTech, a consumer electronics brand specializing in external storage.
Rank #4
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
Rank #3
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
Common mistakes that can leave a site incomplete
- Exporting only the database and leaving behind uploads, themes, plugins, configuration, or other files.
- Keeping the only backup inside the hosting account you plan to close.
- Restoring the database without updating destination credentials in
wp-config.php. - Using a naive URL replacement that damages serialized WordPress data.
- Assuming an automated transfer handles every custom DNS record or mail setup.
- Closing the old account before checking the destination site and DNS and mail behavior.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
