How does the transfer tool work when using a remote MySQL server?

[radianation]

I have an existing cPanel server that uses a remote MySQL server (AWS RDS). I am transferring accounts to a new cPanel server to upgrade CloudLinux 7 to 8. Ideally, I'd like to keep the same MySQL server and transfer the accounts, including the database information, but not the actual databases. I want to reconnect the new server to the same standalone MySQL database when this is finished.

How does the transfer tool handle this? I don't want to impact the live database server. Specifically, should I set up the remote MySQL information on the new server before or after the transfer? I am worried if I set it up before, that it will try to copy over itself if I use the same credentials. If I do it after, I think I would have to remap all the databases in the accounts.

Any tips to make this go as smoothly as possible?

 

[radianation]

Another option is temporarily running two RDS simultaneously and migrating the databases to the new one. This creates a completely separate instance for staging purposes. I would then run a script to update the old RDS address to the new one for the websites. If there is a better way, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[cPRex]

Hey there! I've been talking this over with a few people today and we all think the second option of creating another RDS system and performing the migration is the safest to avoid conflicts with how you want the migration to happen.

 

[radianation]

Thanks. I'm inclined to agree. The small fee of running them parallel is worth it for peace of mind.

Would the permissions technically be the same on the new/old RDS? The steps look like this:

1. New server & RDS
2. Transfer the sites
3. Change remote MySQL connection to point to old RDS (at WHM level, not per site)

If step 3 works, that could prevent me from manually updating many connection strings.

 

[cPRex]

The only thing I would add is under step 2, you can choose to disable databases in the dropdown section under the account in Transfer Tool, as mentioned in step 4 here:

Transfer Tool | cPanel & WHM Documentation

This interface copies multiple accounts from a remote server to your cPanel & WHM server.

docs.cpanel.net

That will ensure you don't move any database data to the new web server.