Web Server Upgrade - Step-by-Step Instructions


Timeline |  Step-By-Step Instructions  |  Major Changes / Reported Issues


Phase I Instructions:  Departmental and Organizational Websites
  1. Implement the Hosts file for easier testing. Because the new server will have a different address during testing, we have created a "Hosts" file that will make testing easier and faster. Visit the Hosts File page to download the hosts file and to get instructions on how to use it on your computer. You will be required to login to the Hosts file download and instruction page. Please use your NetID user/pass combo to login.

  2. Test your website on the new server, correct, and report any problems. You should visit each page in your site to make sure that everything is working properly.  Although most pages should be fine, you could run into issues, especially if you are using php.  See our section on "Upgrading from PHP4 to PHP5" below for common problems.  If you find problems on your site, you should correct them before the cutover date.  Step #3 and #4 below must be completed to test your connection and upload to the new server.

  3. Switch to a supported FTP client, if you are not already using one, to test your connection. The supported FTP clients are currently Filezilla (free) and Dreamweaver (not free).  If you need to download Filezilla, you can do so here.  Dreamwweaver can be downloaded through the WKU Software Center.  WS FTP WILL NO LONGER WORK!

  4. Visit the page associated with your FTP client for steps on configuring your client to connect to the new server. For Dreamweaver visit this page.  For Filezilla, visit this page.  There are some changes to note such as we are now using sftp instead of ftp, you should use your NetID to login, and your web site path has changed.  These and other important changes are listed below in the Major Changes section.

    **IMPORTANT NOTE - the directions at the pages above will tell you to connect to the hostname www.wku.edu.  During this testing phase, you should instead use www1.wku.edu.  ***

  5. Keep your content synchronized. If you make an update on the current web server, you should then make the same change on the new server.  Synchronization does not occur automatically, YOU must do this on your own.

 

Phase II Instructions: Personal Websites

  1. Change your FTP settings to connect to your personal site. One simple change will be needed to connect to your personal site.  Change the Hostname in your FTP client from "www.wku.edu" to "www2.wku.edu".  All other information should remain the same.  You should still connect to your personal site with your email (ldap) username and password.  You will need to make this change on November 11th, 2009 or later.