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How to Manually Migrate Accounts to cPanel & WHM from Unsupported Control Panels

This article explains how experienced system administrators can manually migrate accounts from unsupported third‑party control panels to cPanel & WHM. It covers pre‑migration steps, installation requirements, file and directory transfers, database restoration, SSL migration, and post‑migration tasks.

cPanel manual migrationserver transfer,

~3 min read • Updated Feb 23, 2026

1. Overview


This guide describes how to manually migrate accounts from unsupported control panels to cPanel & WHM. Only experienced system administrators should perform this process.


Warning: Unsupported services must be customized to work on cPanel & WHM. The platform only supports Apache®, BIND, Exim, and Mailman. For assistance, open a support ticket.



2. Before Migrating Your Accounts


2.1 Adjust DNS Records


Lower the TTL values for all domains associated with the accounts. This ensures DNS propagation happens quickly when switching servers.


Perform this step several days before migration.


2.2 Install cPanel & WHM


Install cPanel & WHM on the new server following the official Installation Guide.


  • A valid license is required (a 15‑day trial is available).
  • You must have a cPanel Store account with a verified email to activate a license.
  • During installation, set the hostname and main IP address.

Important:

  • The main IP address must NOT be the same as the old server’s main IP.
  • You must use the same hostname, shared IP, and nameservers as the old server.


3. Migrate Your Files


After creating the new cPanel account, transfer the old server’s files and directories to their correct locations.


3.1 The public_html Directory


This directory contains all website files. It may appear as:

  • /home/user/www
  • /home/user/vhost

Requirements:

  • The user must own all files and subdirectories.
  • Directories must have 755 permissions.
  • Files must have 644 permissions.

3.2 The mail Directory


The /home/user/mail directory contains all email data for all domains and subdomains.


Important: All mbox data must be converted to maildir format.


3.3 The tmp Directory


Contains temporary files, bandwidth logs, and statistics (e.g., AWStats).


3.4 The etc Directory


Contains email account passwd, shadow, and quota files.


3.5 The ssl Directory


Contains SSL certificates for the account’s domains.


Important: After migrating SSL files, activate them in:

WHM » SSL/TLS » Manage SSL Hosts


3.6 The mysql Directory


Stores MySQL® databases for the account.


Important:

  • Create an empty database first using the Database Wizard.
  • Import the database dump via phpMyAdmin.

3.7 The pgsql Directory


Stores PostgreSQL® databases.


Important:

  • Create an empty PostgreSQL database first.
  • Import the dump via phpPgAdmin.


4. After Migration


  • Verify that all files, databases, and credentials function correctly.
  • Update domain nameservers to point to the new server.
  • Optionally update DNS records on the old server to forward traffic.
  • Create cPanel and reseller accounts using:
    WHM » Account Functions » Create a New Account


Conclusion


Manual migration from unsupported control panels requires careful planning and precise execution. By following these steps, you can successfully move accounts to cPanel & WHM with minimal downtime and full data integrity.


Written & researched by Dr. Shahin Siami

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