How and where to backup?

[gaydemon_jr]

I decided I need to backup everything that I have got on the web server. I already have most things locally anyway, as that is where they were created.

What would you suggest?

[RottenRay]

GD JR,

First, do you have the space locally? Is there room on your drive?

Next, if there is room, I recommend a plain and simple backup - FTP everything at your server's root down to your local drive.

Start on Tues morning, since that's when traffic and sales are least impacted by a server gone busy. You won't lose much if it takes until Thurs morning.


Once you have the files down, you can decide how to back them up locally - but the important thing is that you have an idea of your site's structure.

(Before you do your local backup, you might want to search for and delete stupid things like those "vti_cnf" folders... LOL!)


.

[gaydemon]

Or ask your host. Some hosts might offer tape backups at a small extra charge.

Mine does backups every night, which then can be used to restored the whole or parts of the server.

(and because I like it a bit fancy) they then also transport the backups acroos the country to another location just incase all of Vancouver blows up.

Its true lol

[basschick]

my host backs up my site regularly - and unlike a lot of hosts we used who say they do backups but actually don't, this host really does. it saved our asses once!

also a plus to have it locally if at all possible.

[gaydemon]

that is important.. ive been unfortunate to have to revert back to a previous day backup.

When you start having SQL databases etc it also starts to get a bit complicated to backup. Its not as simple as just downloading all files. Which is also why its often so much easier to have the hosting company do the backups.


my host backs up my site regularly - and unlike a lot of hosts we used who say they do backups but actually don't, this host really does. it saved our asses once!

also a plus to have it locally if at all possible.

[gaydemon_jr]

I think if your host does backups basschick, then mine must, as I think they are the same? Hosthead?

I already have everything backed up locally, but I'm just worried its not enough.

[AlexManifestMan]

We back up twice each week. This is done on our back server. Once each week the site is backed up by our webmaster of all new content so we have a full back up in two different locations. Our videos are backed up those two and two more (the take so long to do I can't bear the idea of losing them and YES I get out of the car to check to be certain I have locked the door) ;-)

[DirtyRatStudios]

Just wondered how many people keep permanent copies of their sites, for example on DVD? I have these going back over ten years.

[gaydemon_jr]

Just wondered how many people keep permanent copies of their sites, for example on DVD? I have these going back over ten years.

I think thats actually a nice idea. You can see the different versions and developments.

I'm gonna ask Bjorn if he has the original GayDemon!

[NaughtyStud]

Just wondered how many people keep permanent copies of their sites, for example on DVD? I have these going back over ten years.

That's what I try to always do. :cool: