How to Create Manual Backups

Creating Backups in cPanel

Regular backups protect your website from data loss, hacks, or mistakes.

Full Account Backup

1. Log into cPanel
2. Go to Files > Backup
3. Under "Full Backup", click Download a Full Account Backup
4. Select backup destination:
   • Home Directory - Downloads to your computer
   • Remote FTP/SCP - Sends to remote server
5. Enter email for notification
6. Click Generate Backup
7. Download when ready (you'll receive email notification)

Partial Backups

Backup specific items:

Home Directory Backup

• Click Download under "Download a Home Directory Backup"
• Saves all files from your account

Database Backup

• Under "Download a MySQL Database Backup"
• Click download icon next to each database
• Saves as .gz compressed file

Email Forwarders & Filters

• Download email forwarders and filters separately

Restoring from Backup

1. Go to Files > Backup
2. Scroll to "Restore" section
3. Choose what to restore (Home Directory, Database, etc.)
4. Click Choose File
5. Select backup file from computer
6. Click Upload

Backup Best Practices

• Backup before updates or major changes
• Keep multiple backup copies
• Store backups off-server (download to computer or cloud)
• Test restores periodically
• Consider automated backup plugins for WordPress