How do I migrate a pre-configured server/world from another host without data loss?
Moving a pre-configured server from another host is very doable without losing data — the trick is to bring over the world and configs, match the software and version, then verify. Here's the full process.
What makes a clean migration
A migration succeeds when the destination matches the source: the same server software (Paper, Forge, Fabric, etc.) and the same Minecraft version, with the world folder named the same as before. Get those right before you upload, and your world, plugins, and configs load cleanly. Databases move separately, since MySQL is its own system.
How to migrate
- Download your world, plugins/mods, and config files from the old host (via its SFTP or a download).
- On your Humble server, set matching software and version first — use the Versions tab for Minecraft.
- Upload the world (matching the world name), plus plugins/mods and configs, via SFTP.
- Start the server, watch the Console for missing dependencies, and fix any mismatches.
Warning: The software type and version must match the old setup, or the world and plugins may not load — set those before uploading. Back up at each step.
Tips & best practices
- Archive everything on the old host into one file, upload that single file, and unarchive it on ours for a clean, fast transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What about my databases? Export from the old host and import into a Humble MySQL database (Databases tab), then re-point your plugins to the new host.
My world won't load after migrating — why? Check that your software version matches the old setup and that the world-folder name matches level-name.