Import Install
Import Install lets you restore a backup into a running WordPress site without uploading the installer file by hand. The SL Migrations plugin on the destination site works directly with the archive.
When to use it
- The destination site already has a fresh WordPress running
- You want to restore another site's content onto it
- You have no FTP/SFTP upload access (only wp-admin)
- The backup file is moderate in size and can be uploaded through wp-admin
Steps
1. On the destination site
- Install a fresh WordPress
- Install and activate the SL Migrations plugin
2. Upload the archive
SL Migrations → Import → drag and drop the archive file into the upload area. The plugin uploads and validates it automatically.
3. Run the import
- Click Continue on the archive package you just uploaded
- The plugin runs the installer in its own internal UI (no redirect to installer.php)
- The 4 steps are the same as the regular installer
4. Confirm
When it is done, the plugin redirects you to the wp-admin of the newly restored site.
Comparison with Overwrite Install
| Import Install | Overwrite Install |
|---|---|
| The destination site must have WordPress + the SL Migrations plugin | The destination can be empty with just installer.php |
| Upload through wp-admin | Upload through FTP/SFTP/file manager |
| Runs inside the plugin UI | Runs through the installer.php URL |
| Suited to moderate file sizes | Suited to large files |
Common errors
- Upload fails: the archive file is larger than PHP's upload limit. See Fixing upload errors.
- Memory limit: raise
memory_limitin php.ini or contact your hosting provider. - Timeout: for a large archive, raise
max_execution_timeor use Two-Part Install instead.