If I copy my droplet to a new one, what happens to my mail server settings?

Btw, contacted support after last post above and received a reply within minutes. Changing my current droplet to same size but the cheaper plan turns out to be a simple matter of just powering it down and re-sizing it!!! (Took less than 15 mins to do.)

So, that’s a great relief! Now I can create the other droplets and begin the fun :)

[Note: Tried to mark your answer as accepted but the “Mark as accepted” button is appearing beside every post except your last one??? I also see now why you suggested the 2GB droplet for the mail server ;) ]

Thanks so much @mauriciolazo28 for such a thorough answer. I realise how long such answers take to write.

The advice you’ve given makes total sense and thanks a heap for the links. When I looked for info on this over a year ago, all of it was several years old. All the links you’ve given are very recent.

Looks like I have a fair bit of study to do. I’ll document the process, something I do anyway, and I’ll post back here once I have success.

You asked if I remembered what software I installed for email. It’s pretty much all the software that your iredmail includes but form memory, the person helping me installed them all individually so the link you gave should be a massive help. I also use Let’s Encrypt.

I think I’ll need larger droplets for main website and testing as my current 30gB one is always about 70% full. I’m hoping to use a smaller droplet for the mail server but that’s all okay.

I do use Ubuntu however my database is mysql. You mention Maria DB. I’ll do some Googling on the difference between the two as I have no idea of the difference :).

Once again, thanks a heap and I’ll let you know how it all turns out.

All the best, Pat

Thanks @mauriciolazo28,

Yes, atm, everything is in the one droplet - mailserver, main site and test sites (phpbb forum software).

Ideally, I’d like several droplets, one for the live forum, another for testing and perhaps, in the future, a third for backups and the mail server.

My thinking is that the first step needs to be changing my current droplet, 2GB/30GB Disk at $20 per month, to the newer the newer 2GB/50GB droplets at $10/month.

Second step would be to copy that droplet and do testing on that. Also, if I assign a floating IP I’m guessing if something catastrophic occurrs, I should be able to switch the floating IP to the test droplet pretty easily, except…

The real problem seems to be the mail server part as, from memory, the mail records are set by DI and are based on your droplet name so I’m tied to that name and therefore droplet for life :)

(As a matter of interest, just checked https://mxtoolbox.com/SuperTool.aspx?action=mx%3Abiabrewer.info&run=toolpage# and it says, “No DMARC record found,” and “Reverse DNS is not a valid hostname.” Email works though :) )

You might be wondering why someone with such a lack of IT skills set up their own mail server and that would be a very good question! I used to have it running through gmail but the email delivery was totally erratic, often stopping for a month or more. Since I set up my own mail server (with some help), a few years ago, there have been no problems.

I’m devoting the next month (yet another one), to working on the site. As I intend changing the name of the forum, I’d love the current mail server name to change to match it as well. I realise I maybe asking for the impossible here :)

Thanks again, Pat

Hi @patrickhollingd!

Before suggesting a line of work or maybe a set of activities, would you like to give us some more information and context on your situation. I understand that you have a single droplet that is your mail server and also your web server, correct?

And you would like to migrate those services into a better and more efficient setup, correct? While also maintaining your emails, good email server reputation and other things that once did when setting up the server?

Warm regards.