Re-Directing a Multi-Site Install

Moving MultiSite is a pain.

You should look in yoru wp-config.php file and see if you have any settings in there for the old domain.

Thanks for replying Ipstenu..

Yeah… it’s a real pain. However, I’m not really moving my site. Just renaming it’s domain. The files are staying in the same place on my server. I just need to switch it’s routing from my access domain to my real domain.

I looked again int he wp-config file and there’s only on instance of my old access domain listed under: define( ‘DOMAIN_CURRENT_SITE’

When I change that (after having run a find and replace on my database) I get a DATABASE CONNECTION ERROR message when I try to visit the site.

Are there other files in the WP install that also need updated other than the wp-config?

cheers,
gfelice

Moving == Picking up and moving files and/or changing the domain name.

Same thing, really.

but when it loads, it still redirects from https://mywebsite.com to https://mywebsite.com.s12345.gridserver.com/ which is showing in the browser.

That part sounds like something’s wrong with gridserver and that the domain is still being redirected.

Hi gfelice. Have you contacted (mt) support about this? We’re available 24/7 via phone & Twitter. You can also open a support request.
Holler at us & we’ll be happy to assist!

(mt) Sara

I did contact MT and they pointed me here and to this post:
https://premium.wpmudev.org/forums/topic/changing-the-main-site-url
and to some MT knowledge base articles on exporting / importing database files. They were the first ones that recommended that link above that suggests that I find and replace the old URL with the new on the mysql database file, which I’ve done with BBEdit.

When I tried to go further with them after doing it and not having my site load properly, i got a message saying that MT doesn’t troubleshoot 3rd party software like WP and to look on the forums. Now keep in mind that was on Sunday so I might have got the less than enthusiastic weekend crew…

I’ll try again with MT…. unless anyone else has any suggestions here.

Just so I know from this end, as far as moving my site goes, should the following two steps be sufficient for moving a multi-site install?
1. Update WP-config.php with the new domain
2. Do a find and replace of the old URL for the new on my MYSQL database file and re-upload

Are there any other steps for moving a WP multi-site install? Any other files that need updated?

Thanks for any advice!

cheers,
gfelice

That really should be it.

However when I load the new database, I can’t log into my site and it doesn’t load my customized childsite structure / theme, etc.. Just my text content and a default install of my chosen theme load. I also can’t login to the dashboard. It also still continues to re-direct.

There is one thing that comes to mind. There’s something called ‘serialization’ which is where your theme saves settings and uses your domain name, and the length of that domain name, as a variable. SO when you change the domain name, it breaks serialization, which would account for the lack of customization.

That said, it does not account for a re-direct when you log in.

Search your DB JUST for the word ‘gridserver’… I wonder if the string you searched for wasn’t flexible enough.

It’s true that we are limited in the support we can provide for 3rd party apps, I was just making sure that you tried to touch base here to determine whether there was anything on our end contributing to the issue. ?? You may also want to give the (mt) forums a look: https://forums.mediatemple.net
Keep us posted on your findings!

Hey Ipstenu,

Thanks for the heads up on the “Serialization” issue… So I’m assuming that serialization takes place in the database. If not, is there another file to edit? I’ll try your advice on a more flexible find and replace.

I also found this article from about a year ago on the subject and am curious as to what you think of it. It seems a little more targeted vs. the find and replace:
https://www.realisingdesigns.com/2010/09/16/moving-the-domain-of-a-wordpress-multisite-install/

cheers,
gfelice

I also just found this:
https://idealienstudios.com/blog/development/migrating-wordpress-grid-server/

The serialization is in the DB, yes.

Hey Ipstenu,

I’m happy to say that your advice to run a fine tooth comb through my db for another pass, worked out.

I’m not sure why my first round of find and replace missed so many instances of the URL (which is the same) but I found 50 more instances, replaced them, uploaded and updated my WP-config.php

Overall, it’s not that hard of a process… other than the scariness of replacing your DB with so much info on the line.

Anyway… it’s really great to have all of your support and to be a part of such an awesome, open-source community.

cheers!
gfelice

It’s a pain because you have to simultaneously search everything, but not replace everything (see serialization ?? ).

Most of the time you can get away with searching wp_x_posts, wp_sites and then everything BUT wp_x_options. And even then, I go in and verify all changes manually :/