HostCheck Blog
Migration-first guides on DNS cutovers, preview testing, hosting changes, SSL, email routing, and troubleshooting.
This archive is intentionally focused on the work people actually use HostCheck for: validating a site on a target server, checking virtual host behaviour, preserving mail during a cutover, and reducing avoidable downtime.
All articles are published under the direction of Mark Bolton and grouped to support real migration tasks rather than broad marketing-style web advice. If you want the quickest route into the strongest material, start in the Resource Centre.
Nameservers vs DNS Records
Understand the difference between nameservers and DNS records during migrations.
How to Check If Your Website Is Down for Everyone or Just You
Ways to tell whether a website issue is global, local, or migration-related.
The Ultimate Server Migration Checklist
A comprehensive migration checklist from planning to post-cutover checks.
Understanding HTTP Status Codes
A practical guide to the HTTP status codes seen during migrations and troubleshooting.
What Is a Host Header and Why Does It Matter for Web Hosting?
Learn why the Host header matters when previewing websites.
How to Create a Staging Environment for Your Website
Set up a staging environment for safer testing and deployment.
12 Common Server Migration Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Avoid these common mistakes that cause downtime and broken launches.
Website Backup Strategies
Backup approaches that support safer migrations and rollback plans.
The Ultimate .htaccess Guide for Web Developers
Master .htaccess redirects, rewrites, and migration checks.
Website Security Checklist: 15 Essential Steps for 2025
Protect your website with this practical security checklist.
Migrating from cPanel Shared Hosting to a VPS: Complete Guide
Step-by-step guide to migrating from cPanel to a VPS.
10 Proven Ways to Speed Up Your Website in 2025
Practical tips to make your website load faster.
How to Set Up and Preserve Email After a Server Migration
Avoid losing email during server migrations.
A Beginner's Guide to the Domain Name System (DNS)
DNS explained for beginners and website owners planning changes.
How CDNs Affect DNS Changes and Server Migrations
What to watch out for when migrating a CDN-fronted site.
Website Downtime Costs: Why Zero-Downtime Migrations Matter
The real impact of migration downtime on revenue, SEO, and trust.
SSL Certificate Best Practices for Server Migrations
Avoid HTTPS errors during server migrations with these SSL best practices.
What Is a Reverse Proxy and How Does It Work?
Learn how reverse proxies power CDNs, load balancers, and preview tools.
Common DNS Record Types Explained
A clear guide to common DNS record types used in real migrations.
How to Migrate WordPress to a New Host Without Downtime
Complete guide to migrating WordPress with zero downtime.
How Hosting Types Change Your Migration Plan
How shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, and cloud setups change what you need to verify before a migration.
How to Test Your Website on a New Server Before Going Live
Step-by-step guide to testing your website on a new server before switching DNS.
What Is DNS Propagation and How Long Does It Take?
Learn what DNS propagation is, why it takes up to 48 hours, and how to speed it up during server migrations.