If you want to move your game server from ZAP-Hosting to game-serverhosting, you mainly need a complete backup of your server files. The usual path uses FTP access at ZAP-Hosting, a local ZIP archive, and then the import at game-serverhosting. Cancel the old server only once the new server has been checked.
Requirements
Before you start, make sure you have access to your ZAP-Hosting account and the affected game server. You also need an FTP client, for example FileZilla, and enough free storage space on your local computer for the complete server folder and the ZIP archive created from it.
Plan about 20 to 30 minutes for small to medium servers. Large worlds, modpacks, or lots of plugin data can take significantly longer because download, compression, and upload depend on your connection and the amount of data. What matters is not speed, but that you do not leave out any files.
Use the ZAP-Hosting dashboard at zap-hosting.com as the official primary source for the previous provider. There you will find your server's current login details. If labels in the panel differ, the information in the dashboard is authoritative.
Step 1: Find ZAP-Hosting FTP Login Details
Log in at zap-hosting.com and select your game server in the dashboard. Then open Settings → FTP Browser. The login details you need for the download are listed there.
Write down these values:
- Host: your server IP or the displayed FTP host
- Port:
21for standard FTP - Username: your ZAP ID or the displayed FTP user
- Password: your FTP password
In this guide, ZAP-Hosting uses FTP via port 21. If your server panel shows different login details or a different port, use the values from your panel. For the move to game-serverhosting, the upload method is especially robust because you first save the data locally and then import it in a controlled way.
Step 2: Download Server Data Completely
Start FileZilla or another FTP client and connect using the details from the ZAP-Hosting panel. In FileZilla, you typically enter the following:
Host: ftp://your-server-ip
Port: 21
Username: your FTP user
Password: your FTP password
Then navigate to the game folder, for example to a path such as /gXXXXX/minecraft/. The exact path depends on your game and server ID. Download the complete relevant folder, not just individual world files. For Minecraft, besides the world, this often also includes server.properties, plugin folders, mod files, whitelists, ban lists, and other configurations.
Wait until the FTP client no longer shows any pending transfers. You should transfer canceled or skipped files again before continuing.
Step 3: Create a ZIP Archive
Open the local folder where you downloaded the server files. Then compress the game folder into a ZIP archive. On Windows, you can compress the folder with a right-click. In the terminal, for example, this works:
zip -r backup.zip folder/
The maximum upload size mentioned in the original process is 10 GB. Therefore, check the size of the ZIP archive after creating it. If your archive is larger, you should first check whether unnecessary files are included, for example old logs, crash dumps, or temporary backups. But do not remove any world, mod, plugin, or configuration files if you are not sure what they are needed for.
Make sure the folder structure is preserved. The import should later find the files the same way they were located on the old server.
Step 4: Import at game-serverhosting
Open /migrate?hoster=zap and select your game. Then use Upload file as the import method and upload your ZIP archive by drag & drop or file selection. The import starts automatically after the upload.
If you migrate multiple servers, process them one by one and name your backups clearly, for example with game, date, and server name. This prevents you from accidentally importing the wrong world or an older configuration.
For general migration planning, you can also find the guide Move a game server: from any host to game-serverhosting. If you want to manage files directly in the future, SFTP access to the game server – manage files is also helpful.
Step 5: Order and Start the Server
After a successful import, the system detects the game and existing server data as part of the import process. You then choose the appropriate plan, pay via Stripe, and start the server. game-serverhosting is paid multi-game hosting focused on technical control, support, and traceable operating processes.
If you are unsure which plan makes sense, compare your game's requirements, the player count, and the size of your mods or plugins before ordering. You can find guidance on ongoing costs in the internal guide Game server costs at a glance – what does gaming hosting cost?.
Check the Result
Start the new server and check it before canceling at ZAP-Hosting. Connect to the server yourself and check at least these points:
- World fully loaded?
- Correct game state present?
- Mods or plugins active?
server.properties, slots, seed, and whitelist correct?- Permissions, operators, and ban lists transferred?
- Console without obvious errors during startup?
Also load one or two typical gameplay situations, for example spawn, bases, dimension changes, or mod items. Only once the new server runs as expected should you cancel the old subscription.
Troubleshooting
FTP Connection Fails
Check the host, port 21, username, and password exactly against the ZAP-Hosting dashboard. If the password does not work, set a new FTP password under Settings → FTP and wait 2 to 3 minutes before trying again.
Download Is Incomplete
Check the queue and failed transfers in FileZilla. Repeat only the failed files or download the affected folder again. An incomplete backup is the most common cause of missing worlds, plugin errors, or broken modpacks.
ZIP Archive Is Too Large
The stated upload limit is 10 GB. Remove only files whose purpose is clear, such as old logs or duplicate local backups. For very large worlds, you should check before the import whether all included data is really needed for the production server.
Server Does Not Start After the Import
Open the console and check the first error message. Common causes are missing mod files, wrong game versions, damaged configuration files, or plugins that expect specific server software. Compare versions and file structure with your old server backup.
How to Cancel Your ZAP-Hosting Server — Only After Testing
Cancel only once the new server demonstrably works. While your ZAP-Hosting contract is active you still have a way back; after it ends, the files stored there are usually no longer accessible.
An order that keeps you safe:
- Test the new server completely — world, mods, plugins and player access, using the same client version you actually play on.
- Keep a second copy of the backup — locally or on your own storage, independent of both providers.
- Find the cancellation path in your customer account — usually under the contract, subscription or renewal section for that server.
- Check auto-renewal separately — with many providers this is its own switch, independent of cancelling.
- Keep the confirmation — until the billing period you paid for has ended.
Which notice period applies to your contract, and where exactly the cancellation option sits, is stated in your order confirmation and in ZAP-Hosting's own terms. Check both there directly before you cancel — do not rely on outside sources, including this page.
Download whatever you want to keep before cancelling. World saves, configuration files and logs are usually unavailable once the contract ends.
If you are unsure about any step, let the old server run one more billing period. Paying twice for a single month costs less than losing a world save.
Checks, Limits, and a Safe Way Back
The guide “ZAP-Hosting Migration: Migrate a Game Server” applies to the server type described in the article and the version state visible at the time of checking. Menu names, available versions, mod or plugin compatibility, and required resources may differ after updates. Therefore, do not transfer values unchecked to another game, loader, or server version.
Before making changes to the world, game state, configuration, or extensions, create a backup of the affected files. Then change only one related step and check it with the same client and server version you want to play with later.
| Check point | Expected result | Stop and way back |
|---|---|---|
| Server start | The server reaches the ready-to-run state without a new error message. | If startup errors occur, revert the change and restore the latest backup. |
| Connection test | A test account can connect via the address shown in the panel. | If version or connection errors occur, compare the version, port, and approvals again. |
| Function test | The specifically changed function works without damaging existing world or game data. | If side effects occur, stop the server and restore the backed-up files. |
A successful single test is not a performance or availability guarantee. World size, mods, plugins, player count, network path, and simultaneous load can change the result. Document the version, change, and test result so you can understand later deviations.
FAQ
ZAP Has No SFTP, Only FTP. Does It Still Work?
Yes. Download your files via FTP, create a ZIP archive from them, and upload it to game-serverhosting in the migration wizard. You do not need direct SFTP access at the old provider for this process.
My World Is 8 GB. Will That Work?
Yes, as long as your finished ZIP archive stays within the stated upload limit of 10 GB. Check the archive size before uploading and avoid unnecessary files such as old logs or duplicate backups.
What if My FTP Password Does Not Work?
Set a new password in the ZAP-Hosting panel under Settings → FTP. Then wait 2 to 3 minutes and try the connection again with the host, port 21, username, and new password.
When Should I Cancel the Old ZAP-Hosting Server?
Only after a successful check on the new server. Test the world, mods, plugins, configuration, and console startup. As long as something is missing or unclear, keep the old server as a reference and fallback option.
How Do I Cancel My ZAP-Hosting Server Correctly?
Cancel only after the new server has been tested. You will find the cancellation option in your customer account, in the contract or subscription area for that server. The applicable notice period is stated in your order confirmation and in ZAP-Hosting's terms — check it there directly. Also disable auto-renewal if it is handled as a separate switch, and back up everything you want to keep beforehand.
Do I Have to Transfer Every Folder Individually?
No. Download the complete game folder so the world, configuration, mods, plugins, and additional files stay together. Transferring individual files increases the risk that dependent data is missing.
Can I Also Use the Migration for Other Providers?
Yes, the basic process is similar: create a backup, download data, prepare an archive, and import it. For general cases, use the guide Move a game server: from any host to game-serverhosting.