PHP & MySQL Website Migration

Identify what the database actually stores

Separate content records from operational records. Blog posts, pages and directory entries may need migration; abandoned user tables, old session data and unused plugin tables usually do not. Export before cleanup so the decision remains reversible.

Inspect PHP for hidden dependencies

A page that appears static may still include shared headers, query database settings or depend on rewrite rules. Trace includes, form handlers, cron jobs and URL routing before deleting the application layer.

Watch for compromised code

Old PHP sites are a common place to find obfuscated files, injected redirect logic or backdoors mixed into legitimate templates. Do not port unknown code into the new site simply because it was present in the archive. Rebuild public pages from clean content and known assets.

Map clean URLs

Replace database IDs and query-string routes with descriptive permanent paths where practical. If the old URL already has search visibility or backlinks, keep it or redirect it deliberately rather than renaming everything for cosmetic reasons.

Retire the database carefully

Once the new site is verified, remove public database credentials and unnecessary PHP execution from the deployment. Keep a secure offline archive of the original database and code for historical recovery.

Trace scheduled tasks and webhook endpoints

Old PHP systems may depend on cron jobs, payment callbacks, feed generators or form endpoints that are not visible in navigation. Search code and hosting control panels for scheduled tasks and externally called scripts before turning off PHP.

Handle database character encoding carefully

When extracting older MySQL content, verify UTF-8 handling for smart quotes, accented names and non-English text. Encoding corruption introduced during export can spread across hundreds of rebuilt pages if it is not caught early.