Easiest domain set up for transfer later?
 

My url is currently live with a flash site. I am setting up the new WP site with a new host.


When my WP site is ready, I'll point the DNS to the new host. What is the easiet way to set up the WP site so the switch will be as smooth as possible?


(I've been working with a domain name that is an extension of the host. Due to an error, I have to reinstall everything and start over. Web host says that it is not possible to use another host domain name extension. I'd like to keep the error install live to copy plugins, text, etc.)

Just use the IP address for your install on the new host. Your new host may do this for you.

Then when ready to go live, point the DNS to your new host and modify the WP setup from the IP address to the domain name. You can even do that in the Admin > General settings.

I already have a domain at the new host. The wp install has to be an add on domain.

Can I use the ip address numbers/folder as a domain name?

If so, wouldn't the newly created database tables screw up what is already functioning on the site?

Go ahead and set up your install in the add on using the domain name you will use when the site goes live, but leave the DNS pointing to your legacy site.

You will need to change two fields in the WP database options table using PHPMyAdmin from how the script install sets it up using the add on domain name to the shared IP address and path. You can them do all the work to build out your site that you wish.

Then when the site is ready to go live change the DNS to point the domain to your new host and change the two fields in the Options table of the WP database from the IP address to your domain name. In most installs the fields are in lines 1 and 37, or very near those line numbers. Take a look you will recognize them as site addresses.

Thank you for the replies.

please close ;)

You are welcome!