Overview
This article explains what settings change when a server is moved and how to resolve any subsequent issues.
DreamHost may move your server at times to optimize the hosting environment to ensure it remains dependable and secure. You will receive email notices before and after this type of move to keep you informed of this process.
What changes when a server moves?
Server name
When your server is moved, the name of it also changes. Each shared server at DreamHost has a unique hostname name you can view in the panel.
If you're using the server name to connect in your FTP client, you must update this to the new name. Otherwise, you can still use your website name to connect.
DNS settings
You only need to adjust your DNS settings if you are not using DreamHost’s nameservers. In this case, you must update your website's IP addresses at the company that hosts your nameservers.
- If your IP continues to point to the old server IP, your site will not function.
View the What DreamHost DNS records do I point my site to? article for information on how to find the correct IP addresses of your site.
Unique IPs will also change since DreamHost does not offer static IP addresses.
Troubleshooting issues after the move
After the migration completes, you may notice errors with your site or find it not responding as it once did. The following sections help you troubleshoot the most common causes of this.
Site is not responding
Here are a few site errors you may see and how to fix them.
Site not loading
This is most likely a DNS issue. View the DNS settings section above to correct this.
Site not found error
If your site is correctly pointed to your new DreamHost IP, it's possible you could see a Site Not Found error. View the Site not found article to fix this.
Email form or cron job is not working
It's possible to use your server name as part of your email address in a custom email form or cron job where username is your website user and servername is the name of your web server. For example:
username@servername.dreamhost.com
If you're using this format, make sure to update the name of your server in the email address.
Uploaded files do not display
This is likely because you're using the old server name in your FTP client, so the files were uploaded to the old server. View the Server name section above for details.
Server key is incorrect
The SSH keys will also change when the server is moved. If your FTP or SSH client previously saved the old server's key, the new server will prompt you to save the new key when logging in.
View this article for instructions on how to resolve the warning message.