How To Backup Web Space Using Cpanel

[kaseytraeger]

Hi everyone,

 

Tech support needs to do some work on my web space, but they (quite appropriately) recommend that I backup what I've currently got stored there.

 

I know there's a backup utility in cPanel. Does anyone know how to use this? Where do the backed-up files get stored? Am I allowed to choose to store them on my hard drive or to a writable CD? Also, how do I recover my backed-up files in the event I need to restore them to my web space?

 

Thanks!

[TCH-Bruce]

Kasey, when you run the backup it will create a tar.gz file in your root folder. You can then download that with an FTP client.

 

If you needed to restore, you upload the file back to your root folder and recover from there.

[kaseytraeger]

Hi Bruce,

 

Here is another set of questions for you.

 

I'm looking at the backup panel right now. I had three options: (1) full backup, (2) home directory, and (3) MySQL DB backup. I chose #1 -- Generate/Download a Full Backup.

 

On the next screen, I'm presented with a series of form fields.

#1 - Backup Destination with options of

-- Home Directory

-- Remote FTP Server

-- Remote FTP Server (passive mode backup)

#2 - Email Address

#3 - Remote Server (FTP/SCP only)

#4 - Remote User (FTP/SCP only)

#5 - Remote Password (FTP/SCP only)

 

I presume that I should choose the backup destination as "Home Directory" and leave items #3, #4 and #5 blank since I don't know anything about Remote FTP Servers. Is that the option I should choose? Is this the command to have the backup file placed in my root folder?

 

I remember trying to do a backup once before, but I screwed it up. That's why I'm asking all these questions. I'm just being extra cautious.

 

I'm in a class this afternoon, so I'll be checking in during our class breaks.

 

Thumbs Up Thanks, Bruce!

[TCH-Thomas]

Can I ask an additional question about this, since I have never done a backup

through cpanel.

Is there any specific time TCH wants me to do a backup, since im in sweden i dont wanna do it when servers are too busy?

[TCH-Bruce]

Here's how I do it.

 

1. Select Full Backup

2. Select to create the backup in my Home Directory

3. Enter an email address to inform you when it's done

4. Select Generate Backup

 

You will receive an email when the backup is complete. Then open your FTP client and download it. A full backup will get your entire site including your databases.

 

Thomas, I don't know what would be a good time. I usually make one on the weekends.

[TCH-Thomas]

Ok, thanks Bruce. I just wanted to ask, so i dont make a backup in the middle of your daytime.

[voilsb]

I have a question about how to use the filters, if someone may know ...

 

Say I only wanted to backup a specific subdomain I have, or I want to keep them all backed up, but separately?

 

Or if I wanted to backup everything except a particular directory or file type?

[TCH-Bruce]

I have a question about how to use the filters, if someone may know ...

 

Say I only wanted to backup a specific subdomain I have, or I want to keep them all backed up, but separately?

If you want to backup a specific subdomain just select it from the filtered list. You will be prompted to save it to your computer.

 

Or if I wanted to backup everything except a particular directory or file type?

 

This is not an option through cpanel. However you could write something yourself and create a cron job to run it.

[voilsb]

Thanks Bruce! I figured it would be a helpdesk thing for a "backup-except-xyz" sort of thing.

 

I'm still not clear on the filters/aliases thing, though. When I click on it, all it does it downloads is a gzipped empty text document.

[TCH-Bruce]

Okay, I did some investigating and the filters and aliases are not for backing up folders and html or sql databases. It is for backing up your email filters and alias accounts you have created. So if you want to backup only part of your domain you will have to script something to do so.