HostPapa to InterServer: Website Migration Guide

This guide covers moving a website from HostPapa to an InterServer service. Confirm the destination plan, application, database, mail and DNS scope first. The steps below describe a site-level export; a full cPanel account backup contains more than website files.

Complimentary migration eligibility: InterServer provides migrations for web hosting plans only, limited to cPanel-to-cPanel and DirectAdmin-to-DirectAdmin. VPS and dedicated-server migrations are not offered. Cross-panel transfers and website-builder conversions are outside this service; the manual instructions below are for self-managed moves when the matching-panel web hosting requirements are not met.

Create a private backup at HostPapa

Sign in to the HostPapa dashboard and open cPanel for the correct domain. HostPapa documents using cPanel Backup Wizard to create full or partial backups. If you create a full backup, choose a private location such as the account home directory, then download it through authenticated cPanel access or another private encrypted transfer. Do not move the archive into public_html or another public web directory. A full archive may contain databases, mail and account configuration.

In cPanel, choose Files > Backup Wizard > Back Up > Full Backup, select Home Directory, and start generation. Wait for completion, then return to the Backup interface and use its authenticated archive-download link. Keep the original compressed account archive intact if support will restore it.

For a site-only move, download the document-root files including hidden files and other application data, then export the site’s database separately from phpMyAdmin or an appropriate database tool. Keep both copies outside the public web root and protect them as sensitive data.

Restore at the destination

HostPapa states that restoring a full cPanel backup requires a HostPapa technician on its service. That statement describes restores at HostPapa, not the InterServer destination. Before transferring an account archive, confirm with InterServer support which restore path is available for your destination plan. Do not assume an ordinary cPanel user can restore a full-account archive.

For a site-level migration, create the destination database, import the SQL dump, upload the files privately, and update the application’s database settings. Preview and test the site before DNS changes. Move mail and DNS separately where required, and retain the source service until verification is complete.

Request InterServer restoration through a ticket in the customer portal. Provide the destination service, source panel, domains, backup location and mail scope. Use the migration support process to confirm eligibility and delivery.

See HostPapa’s current backup instructions, our cPanel migration guide and migration backup checklist.