Greetings,

I recently transferred my website from one hosting service to another, using WordPress. While all the content and database were successfully migrated, the theme settings went completely awry. Oddly enough, this is the second time it's happened - previously, I had transferred my domain within the same hosting service and faced a similar issue.

I came across a tutorial video on how to transfer a website to WordPress, but the problem of losing theme settings persists. Is there a reason why this happens? I've followed the instructions on https://wordpress.org/themes/virtue/ without altering the theme settings, yet they always get lost and become uneditable from the WP administration panel.

Additionally, while all files and folders were located in the root directory on my old hosting service (mysite1.ru), on the new hosting service (nic.ru) they need to be placed in a subfolder (mysite2.com/docs). When I switch the database from mysite1.ru to mysite2.com, WP cycles are worked out and posts load properly, but the theme settings disappear and become inaccessible from the administration panel. Could it be that the theme registers the original path somewhere in its php files?

Thank you!

There are multiple methods for resolving transfer issues. In fact, the creators of the Virtue theme suggest using the Duplicator plugin in response to such problems. I personally believe that this free plugin works exceptionally well.

When using installer.php to launch your site, ensure that you specify the database parameters that you have already created on your hosting service beforehand. Don't be misled by the "Create new DB" option, since the tutorial will connect you to an already created empty database. In short, watch the tutorials carefully to avoid any confusion.

Here's an example of adding the classics to our engines:

$link = mysql_connect('localhost', 'baseuserlamername', 'andpass');
if (!$link) {
echo 'Connection failed: ' . mysql_error();
}

// Select "my_guru_base_name" as the current database
$db_selected = mysql_select_db('my_guru_base_name', $link);
if (!$db_selected) {
echo 'Selection failed: ' . mysql_error();
}
It's important to ensure that you have entered the correct values for the username, password, and database name. Otherwise, you may encounter errors when attempting to connect to your database. It's also worth noting that while the above code may work with older versions of PHP, it's recommended to use newer methods like PDO or mysqli for improved security and efficiency.

There could be a few reasons why you're experiencing issues with your WordPress theme settings when transferring your website. One possibility is that the theme you're using might have specific compatibility or configuration requirements that are not being met during the migration process.

It's also possible that the theme settings are stored in the database and are not being properly transferred over to the new hosting service. When you migrate your site, it's important to ensure that all the necessary files, including theme settings, are correctly moved.

Regarding the change in file location from the root directory to a subfolder, it's possible that the theme may have hardcoded file paths within its PHP files. If this is the case, the theme might not recognize the new file location and fail to load the settings properly.

additional suggestions:

1. Double-check the migration process: Make sure that all necessary files, including theme files and settings, are correctly migrated from the old hosting service to the new one. Ensure that you're following all recommended steps or guidelines provided by the hosting service or WordPress documentation.

2. Check for any specific migration instructions from the theme developer: Some themes might require additional steps or considerations during the migration process. Look for any specific instructions or recommendations given by the theme developer regarding transferring the theme and its settings.

3. Review the theme's documentation and support resources: Check the theme's official documentation, support forums, or knowledge base for any information regarding migrating the theme or troubleshooting common migration-related issues. The theme developer or community might have encountered similar problems and could provide relevant solutions.

4. Consider using a migration plugin: WordPress offers various migration plugins that can help simplify the process and minimize the chances of encountering issues like lost theme settings. These plugins often handle the transfer of files, databases, and configurations more seamlessly. Research and choose a reputable migration plugin to assist with the process.

5. Consult with technical support from your hosting service: Reach out to the technical support team of your new hosting service and describe the issue you're facing. They may be able to offer guidance or insights specific to their platform or server configuration that could help resolve the problem.

The issue lies in the way WordPress stores theme settings. When you transfer your website, the theme settings are not stored in the database, but rather in the theme's files, specifically in the wp-content/themes/virtue directory. The options table in the database stores the theme's settings, but it's linked to the site's URL, which changes when you transfer the site. This causes the theme settings to become uneditable.

To resolve this, you can try manually updating the options table in the database to reflect the new site URL, or use a plugin like Duplicator to transfer the site, which can handle theme settings.