Title: Export/Import Procedure
Last modified: October 20, 2020

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# Export/Import Procedure

 *  Resolved [Engine44](https://wordpress.org/support/users/engine44/)
 * (@engine44)
 * [5 years, 6 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/export-import-procedure/)
 * Hello,
 * I am trying to transfer all content from one site to a new one. Using Export,
   I created an XML file on my Desktop. I ran Importer Tool. Using that tool, I 
   selected the XML file and uploaded it. For some reason, I was then asked to save
   a PHP file to Desktop, so I did it. I assumed I was done. However, there are 
   no new pages or content on the new site. Did I miss a step? Are plugins copied
   over or do I have to manually add them to the new site before I import content?
   Thanks.
    -  This topic was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by [Engine44](https://wordpress.org/support/users/engine44/).
    -  This topic was modified 5 years, 6 months ago by [Engine44](https://wordpress.org/support/users/engine44/).

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

 *  [Tolga](https://wordpress.org/support/users/cybepe/)
 * (@cybepe)
 * [5 years, 6 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/export-import-procedure/#post-13557682)
 * Hello Engine44,
 * Using Export, I created an XML file on my Desktop. I ran Importer Tool. Using
   that tool, I selected the XML file and uploaded it.
 * Up to this point, this is the right way to import content. But I never heard 
   of saving .php file to desktop after this point. I would triple check the reason
   and also find out exactly what is in that .php file as its not a normal WordPress
   export/import process.
 * Anyhow, the easiest way to re-try is.
 * First on your NEW installation. Locate wp-content/
 * Usually through File Manager > public_html > wp-content
 * If using FTP program. then, login to your installation to locate wp-content
 * In there you will see wp-content/plugins and wp-content/themes etc.
 * Simply upload your OLD plugins in to that folder. Because export/import does 
   NOT copy over your OLD plugins.
 * While there, you can also move your OLD site images which also resides in wp-
   content/uploads
 *  [George Appiah](https://wordpress.org/support/users/gappiah/)
 * (@gappiah)
 * [5 years, 6 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/export-import-procedure/#post-13557701)
 * > For some reason, I was then asked to save a PHP file to Desktop, so I did it.
 * Something must have gone wrong, for an import shouldn’t ask you to download a
   file.
 * In any case, the native EXPERT/IMPORT features only allow you to transfer your
   site’s content (posts, pages, users, etc) but not plugins or even your active
   theme. While you can install these plugins after the import/export function, 
   no configurations will be transferred, so you’ll have to start from scratch, 
   which can be a pain if you’ve done some extensive customisation (eg in your theme).
 * A more seamless way to do your migration would be to use a plugin that can bundle
   everything together, and allow you to restore the complete website… either to
   the same domain or even to a different domain name.
 * Please see: [https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-wp-migration/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-wp-migration/)
 * Good luck!
 *  Thread Starter [Engine44](https://wordpress.org/support/users/engine44/)
 * (@engine44)
 * [5 years, 6 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/export-import-procedure/#post-13557716)
 * Thanks

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

The topic ‘Export/Import Procedure’ is closed to new replies.

 * In: [Everything else WordPress](https://wordpress.org/support/forum/miscellaneous/)
 * 3 replies
 * 3 participants
 * Last reply from: [Engine44](https://wordpress.org/support/users/engine44/)
 * Last activity: [5 years, 6 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/export-import-procedure/#post-13557716)
 * Status: resolved

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