Introduction
Before updating DNS during a website migration, you can verify whether the website is loading correctly from the new server using a temporary URL or the hosts file method.
Prerequisites
Before checking domain propagation, ensure:
- Website files and databases are migrated to the new server
- New server IP address is available
- Access to edit the local hosts file on your computer
- Browser cache cleared after making hosts file changes
- Basic knowledge of DNS and website migration processes
Implementation
Method 1: Using Temporary URL
You can access the website using the temporary URL:
http://111.118.173.210/~buy13340
Note
This method may have some limitations:
- Website may not load properly
- CSS/images may not appear correctly
- Database connections may fail
Method 2: Using Hosts File (Recommended)
Add the following line to your local hosts file:
111.118.173.210 buynsave.com.au www.buynsave.com.au
Here:
111.118.173.210= New server IPbuynsave.com.au= Domain name
Hosts File Location
Linux / UNIX
/etc/hosts
Windows
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
macOS
/private/etc/hosts
Verification
After saving the hosts file, open:
http://buynsave.com.au
To confirm the website is loading from the new server:
ping buynsave.com.au
If it resolves to the new server IP, then the site is loading from the new server.
Conclusion
The hosts file method is the recommended way to test a migrated website before DNS propagation. It allows you to verify the website directly from the new server without affecting public visitors.