The XML export/import feature does not transfer the uploads folder inside the wp-content. So you need to transfer those too to your new site from old site. I think following the below steps from ground up will be better-
- First zip the
wp-contentfolder or directory and download it. - Then backup the database.
- After backing up the database, download the database after cleaning the
WordPressserialized data. I use this tool. And it works pretty well. You can also do that after downloading the database with any text editor. But the first way is pretty safe causeWordPresssaves many serialized data in database. - Then install fresh copy of
WordPressin your new server with a fresh database. - Then replace the new installation
wp-contentfolder with your previously downloaded one. - After that delete all the table from new database and import the downloaded database. May be some time you also will be needed to delete the new database then create another one with the same name and downloaded database
SQLfile. But it depends how you downloaded the database. - Lastly you need login to the
wp-admin, then have to go toSettings >> Permalinksand then have to hitSave Changes. It will re-generate your.htaccessfile.
Hope that thing helps.