Website Server Migration
This page has the information and resources you will need to transition to the new server with ease.
This page has the information and resources you will need to transition to the new server with ease.
On January 2, 2024, we will be moving your website to our newer cPanel server. This is part of our ongoing commitment to provide best-in-class services and support.
We'd highly recommend that all of our clients take this opportunity to upgrade to a newer design that takes full advantage of the new and much improved environment, and we're pairing this server update with a FREE UPGRADE* to one of our brand new, professionally designed websites. Click here for more details.
If on the other hand you'd like to keep the current look and feel of your website, there are a few things that will change - click here for more information on those changes.
Have more questions? View our FAQ below.
*Some upgrades may require additional charges.
We give you the features you truly need and nothing you don't.
We'll get your site launched quickly and keep it updated for you. We make web technology easy to love.
Allow customers to smoothly navigate your site from any tablet or mobile device with our responsive website designs.
Customizable imagery and text on every page, a wide choice of designs and colors, plus an online gallery all ensure a unique site.
Your site and visitors are protected 24/7 with complimentary SSL provided security.
We provide online web stats so you can track site visitors and page interactions. We also build every site to be SEO compatible.
With the new designs we have full control over the URLs, and we can customize them to fix your needs.
Your customers can send you large files directly through your website with our hassle-free drag and drop interface.
To maximize your online presence, your site can be linked to your preferred social media channels.
Your site includes 20 email accounts and 15GB of shared email storage, providing you with plenty of room to grow.
Still not sure? Check out some of our happy customers!
Get the answers you need to make an informed decision.
Well, server migration is really just a fancy way of saying that we're upgrading the infrastructure on which we host your website. Doing so requires any websites built on the now outdated architecture to be converted and moved to the new cPanel server.
We strongly encourage our valued customers to elect to have their website updated to the new technology. Doing so has many benefits, including NO cost for a new updated look and enterprise-grade security!
Sites that are not updated will keep the same look and feel, but there are a few minor changes we need to make to get them working properly on the new server - click here for more details.
Please reference our server migration articles for additional details:
Most importantly, we're here to make this as easy for you as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com or call (800) 558-3054.
You are not required to upgrade your website design. If you choose to keep your current website, it will be moved to the new server.
That said, there are a few things that will change once the site is moved.
Future website changes
Due to our security policy regarding accessing files used in creating your new website, our Client Services team will need to make any future changes to your site (this security policy applies to both existing and new designs).
But, don't worry, we'll make most changes for you at NO cost! All you need to do is send your request to our support staff at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com. We'll confirm your request and let you know if there will be any additional charges before any changes are made so that we can exceed your expectations!
Website URLs
To move your website, we will be converting it to HTML and your page URLs will change slightly.
Example:
current- https://yourdomain.com/products?signtypeProd=BP21&pgtype=Banners%20
updated - https://yourdomain.com/products2634.html?signtypeProd=BP21&pgtype=Banners%20
If you have any external or 3rd party SEO trackers please review them once the website has been migrated to the new cPanel server.
Search engine indexing
Search engine indexing is a process by which the search engines crawl the Internet and organize information before a search to enable a fast response to searches. While most sites are reindexed in as little as 24 hours, it can take as much as a week or two before your website links are reindexed. Here is a link with some additional information.
Please understand that we do not sell or offer SEO services. While we can and will at times offer suggestions that could potentially improve your site's ranking and visibility within search engine results, we make no guarantees or promises in this regard. It's simply not a service that we offer.
Website DNS settings
If we're managing your domain on your behalf, there's nothing you need to do regarding DNS (domain name system). If you're not sure, no worries... just ask us.
We'll try and contact you if you manage your domain and need to update your DNS settings prior to the server migration (click here to learn more).
Important: If you are managing your domain and need to make changes to your DNS settings, do not update your settings until we've notified you. We will let you know when your website has been migrated to the new server at which time you can make the necessary changes.
Website Forms
Once your website has been moved the global CAPTCHA we provide on your existing site will no longer work. The CAPTCHA is just a fancy acronym (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) for the “test” that is presented to visitors submitting a form on your website.
On the new server, each website will require its own unique captcha keys. While we wish we could take care of this for you, Google requires that the “owner” request the key. Don’t sweat this one though… we’re here every step of the way and have provided this easy to follow article on how you can get this done.
Retrieving FTP files
If you currently have a file uploader on your website the way in which you retrieve your files is changing. Once your website has been moved to the new server you will need to use an FTP client to access files uploaded from your form page(s).
Check out our Where can I find my FTP files? article for more details.
We're here to make this as easy for you as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com or call (800) 558-3054.
Website DNS settings
If you manage your domain, you will be required to update your DNS settings prior to the server migration - Learn More. In preparation of the upcoming changes you should determine who your domain registrar is and make sure you have the correct login credentials.
*Your domain registrar this is the company that retains your domain name (ex. GoDaddy, Network Solutions, HostGator). You will usually receive a bill from them annually to renew your domain name.
Important: Do not update your settings until you've been prompted. We will notify you when your website has been migrated to the new server at which time you can make the necessary changes.
Note: If VCG manages your domain we will make the necessary changes on your behalf.
Website Forms
Once your website has been moved our global captcha will no longer work. Each website will require its own unique captcha keys.
If you would like to retain the captcha on your website form(s) please reference How to add a Google ReCAPTCHA to your website to generate you captcha keys.
Please copy and paste the keys and provide them to our support team via email at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com. Please allow up to two business days for us to implement this for you.
While we strongly encourage you to have your website updated to the new technology, you are not required to upgrade your website design.
If you plan to keep your existing website, please reference What if I choose not to upgrade my website?
That's a great question! Upgrading to a newer website design is easy - simply log into your portal at myVCG.com and click on WEBSITE then Site Admin to be presented with the questionnaire. Once we receive the questionnaire we'll be in touch.
Or, contact our support staff and we'll provide you with the steps to get started. Call (800) 558-3054 or email vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com.
Here are some additional details regarding the upgrade process:
You can view our new website designs by clicking here.
Content:
Important notes:
If you're interested in upgrading or have any questions our support staff can be reached at (800) 558-3054 or vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com.
Due to our security policy regarding accessing files used in creating your new website, our Client Services team will need to make any future changes to your site (this security policy applies to both existing and new designs).
But, don't worry, we'll make most changes for you at NO cost! Please send any change requests to our support staff at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com.
If you manage your website DNS settings, please reference the link below that matches your configuration:
If you have a file uploader (ex., Send File or Request a Quote page) please also add the following A record:
Important: Do not update your settings until you've been prompted. We will notify you when your website has been added to the new cPanel server at which time you can make the necessary changes.
Once your website has been moved to the cPanel server you will need to use an FTP client to access files uploaded from your form page(s).
If you don't already use an FTP client here are two cPanel suggestions:
Once your FTP client is configured, please reference the details below to configure your account(s):
If you manage the DNS for your domain, you'll need to add the following A Record:
We're here to make this as easy for you as possible. If you have any questions or need help with your FTP login credentials please reach out to our support staff at (800) 558-3054 or send us an email at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com.
There should be no interruption to your email hosting - the SmarterMail (email) server is separate from the website server, and we'll be taking the necessary steps to keep your email service working without any downtime.
If you do notice any interruptions once your DNS settings are pointing to the new server, please reach out to our support staff at (800) 558-3054 or email us at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com.
Important: If your email is hosted by a 3rd party (not VCG) this change will have no effect on your emails.
Changing servers will usually have some effect on your SEO ranking, however most sites regain their ranking within a few days (some may take weeks). Unfortunately, this is beyond our control.
If you have any external or 3rd party SEO trackers, please review them once the website has been migrated to the new cPanel server.
If we have added any custom SEO elements to your website, they will remain intact.
Important: VCG does not sell or offer SEO services. While we can and will at times offer suggestions that could potentially improve your site's ranking and visibility within search engine results, we make no guarantees or promises in this regard. It's simply not a service that we offer.
Now that your website is on the new cPanel server the process in which you view your website statistics has changed.
To access the Control Panel go to https://cp1.vcgwebsitecp.com:2083 and use your login information. If you're unsure of your Control Panel login information, please reach out to your support team at vcgsupport@vcgcorporate.com.
Once logged in:
AWStats
AWStats is a powerful and feature-rich tool that generates advanced web, streaming, or mail server statistics, graphically.
Some of the detailed reporting that AWStats is able to show you include:
