How to Migrate a Hosted WordPress to Your Own Domain

1. Export your WordPress database. In your current installation of WordPress, log in to the admin area and click on 'Tools-Export.' Select 'All Contents' and click 'Download Export File.' This will download an XML file to your computer containing your articles, comments, pages and registered users.
2. Install WordPress on your new domain if you haven't already done so. Almost all Web hosts offer tools such as Simple Scripts or Fantastico that allow you to install WordPress automatically with a push of a button. If you do not have access to these tools, download and unzip the current WordPress package manually and save it to a folder on your computer. Be sure to name the folder the same as the directory you will create on your Web host.

3. Access the control panel on your new domain host and create a new database. Open MySQL. There should be a box to add databases. Write in the name of your new database and click the button that reads 'Submit,' 'OK' or 'Create Database.'
4. Access the file manager on your domain and create a new directory where you will install WordPress.
5. Open the folder on your computer where you saved the WordPress package. Rename the 'wp-config-sample.php' file to 'wp-config.php.' Open 'wp-config.php' in your favorite text editor and fill in your database details including the database name, user name, password and host name.
6. Upload the WordPress package into the directory you just created. Install WordPress by accessing 'http://yoursite.com/wp-admin/install.php' in your browser (replace 'yoursite' with the actual domain name). You new WordPress should now be installed.
7. Log in to the WordPress administration area and access 'Tools-Import.' Select 'WordPress' from the list. Upload this file using the submission form. You will be asked to map the authors in the export file to users on the blog. You have the option choose to map to an existing user on the blog or to create a new user. WordPress will import all of the content in the export file and your blog will be fully migrated to the new domain.