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Test site–best way to create?

Hi:

I currently have a wordpress site. To make it easy let’s say its using Theme 1 on happy.com.

I want to switch to let’s say Theme 2, but it will take a few days. I want the test site to be live, and I don’t care if it is accessible to the public, during that time. But I do not want it to affect the first site. So I could theoretically put it in happy.com/testsite.

So here’s my question: I know how to make a test site in a separate place on my server. BUT then when I’m ready to move it all over, I need to start over again because of course all the links, photos etc.. will have the url of the second spot, not the first url.

Is there a way to create the second theme somewhere and then port it over automatically without my having to change all the urls or have all the links break etc…?

Fri, 6 Dec 2013 22:47:32
  • Vaughan
    • Ex Staff

    hi @samiam

    Both the above replies from @faydra_deon & @nickc25 are valid.

    Using snapshot plugin will make it easy for you as it now has migrate functions built in so it’s easy to backup & restore to a different server/location or even domain.

    Hope this helps

  • samiam
    • Flash Drive

    I’m sorry but as usual, the plugins may be fabulous but whoever makes the instructions for them doesn’t do the step by step info I need.

    So, Here is what I need help with:

    I downloaded and installed the plugin through my dashboard. I need STEP BY STEP instructions on what to do in order to install another theme and make that site, and then install that site on my regular url when it is done.

    The user page on wpmu has all this super confusing stuff about tables and so on. I really don’t know what to do as it only looks like its a backup device. I don’t want to back it up, I want to create a new site with a new theme.

    Detailed advice please.

  • samiam
    • Flash Drive

    From our live chat:

    OK so tell me if I have this right

    1) I create a separate wordpress installation: say at parent city.org/newsite

    2) Then I do all my plugins, theme coding, image uploads etc….

    3) When I have it the way I want it, and am ready to go live, I transfer files (WHAT FILES?) into ParentCity and then open the wp-config.php and put this in it (where at the top? Bottom?):

    I don’t have the code you gave me in the live chat because of what the glitch was…