Website Not Working? Diagnosis, Recovery and Safe Migration

In short: first work out what is broken — the whole site, one page or a form. Then, before changing anything, back up the files and database. Only then fix the problem.

Step 1: What do you see?

• "This site can’t be reached" / DNS error — check the domain's expiry date and DNS records;
• "Not secure" / SSL warning — the SSL certificate expired or is not installed;
• 500 Internal Server Error or a blank page — usually a PHP error;
• "Error establishing a database connection" — a MySQL connection problem;
• Strange redirects or ads — the site may have been hacked.

Step 2: Back up

In cPanel use Backup, or archive the files with File Manager, and export the database in phpMyAdmin. Save a copy on your computer, not only on the same server.

Step 3: PHP or MySQL errors

Read the hosting error log. A common cause is a PHP version upgrade that old code does not support; others are a changed database password or a full disk. Temporarily switching back the PHP version in cPanel can restore the site quickly, but the long-term fix is updating the code.

Step 4: Domain, DNS and SSL

Check where the domain is registered and whether it is paid up. Many hosts provide free SSL (AutoSSL / Let's Encrypt); after enabling it, redirect http to https.

Recovering a hacked site

Change every password (hosting, admin, database, FTP), restore a clean backup or remove the malicious code, update the software and plugins, then check the Security Issues report in Search Console.

Moving to another host

1. Back up files and database;
2. Upload to the new host, import the database and update the configuration;
3. Test on a temporary address;
4. Switch DNS and enable SSL;
5. Keep email (MX) records intact.

To move a domain to another registrar, you need a transfer (EPP/auth) code from the current one.

Speeding up a slow website

The usual culprits are oversized images, unnecessary scripts and slow hosting. Use WebP images and caching, and measure with PageSpeed Insights. A 100/100 score on every page is not a realistic target — a fast site for real visitors is.

Checking your website's security

• https on every page;
• Software and plugins up to date;
• Strong passwords and no unused admin accounts;
• Regular backups with a tested restore;
• Search Console — Security Issues.

Can't fix it yourself? Our technical support covers diagnosis, recovery and migration; for a design refresh see redesign. Get in touch.