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Server Migration

Guide for moving PanelAlpha to a new server using snapshots.

Overview

The migration process involves: 1. Creating a snapshot on the old server 2. Installing PanelAlpha on the new server 3. Configuring the snapshot tool on the new server 4. Restoring the snapshot

Step-by-Step Migration

On the Old Server

1. Create a Fresh Snapshot

sudo ./pasnap.sh --snapshot

2. Note the Snapshot ID

After the snapshot completes, note the snapshot ID from the output (e.g., a1b2c3d4).

You can also list snapshots to find it:

sudo ./pasnap.sh --list-snapshots

3. Note Your Storage Configuration

If using remote storage (SFTP or S3), note your configuration:

sudo cat /opt/panelalpha/app/.env-backup

On the New Server

1. Install PanelAlpha

Perform a basic PanelAlpha installation following the official documentation.

2. Install Snapshot Tool

wget -P /opt/panelalpha/ https://raw.githubusercontent.com/panelalpha/PanelAlpha-Snapshot-Tool/main/pasnap.sh
chmod +x /opt/panelalpha/pasnap.sh
sudo /opt/panelalpha/pasnap.sh --install

3. Configure Storage (Same as Old Server)

sudo ./pasnap.sh --setup

Use the exact same storage configuration as on the old server to access your existing snapshots.

4. Test Connection

sudo ./pasnap.sh --test-connection

5. Verify Snapshot Access

sudo ./pasnap.sh --list-snapshots

You should see the snapshot you created on the old server.

6. Restore the Snapshot

sudo ./pasnap.sh --restore <snapshot-id>

Or restore the latest:

sudo ./pasnap.sh --restore latest

What the Restore Process Does

The restore automatically:

  • ✅ Restores all databases
  • ✅ Recreates Docker volumes with original data
  • ✅ Restores configuration files
  • ✅ Updates database connection settings
  • ✅ Adjusts server IP addresses in system settings
  • ✅ Configures trusted hosts
  • ✅ Restores SSL certificates

Post-Migration Checklist

After restoration:

  1. Verify PanelAlpha is running: 

    docker compose ps

  2. Check application access:

  3. Access the web interface

  4. Verify login works

  5. Update DNS (if needed):

  6. Point your domain to the new server IP

  7. Test functionality:

  8. Create a test site

  9. Verify existing sites work

  10. Set up automatic backups on the new server: 

    sudo ./pasnap.sh --cron install

Troubleshooting Migration

Snapshot Not Visible on New Server

  • Verify storage configuration matches exactly
  • Check network connectivity to storage backend
  • Run --test-connection to diagnose issues

Restore Fails

  • Check available disk space: df -h
  • Verify Docker is running: sudo systemctl status docker
  • Check logs: sudo tail -f /var/log/pasnap.log

Application Not Starting After Restore

  1. Check Docker containers: docker compose ps
  2. View container logs: docker compose logs
  3. Verify .env file is properly restored
  4. Restart services: docker compose down && docker compose up -d

Best Practices

  • Test migration on a staging server first
  • Keep the old server running until migration is verified
  • Document your configuration before migration
  • Create a fresh snapshot immediately before migration
  • Update DNS TTL to a low value before migration for faster propagation