Backing up the Database, MySQL and Files

These instructions are for single installations that have been installed using a one-button installation procedure on their host. You must backup the folder into which you installed WordPress site on your host and the database.  Here are the instructions straight from the horse’s mouth: http://codex.wordpress.org/Backing_Up_Your_WordPress_Files and http://codex.wordpress.org/Backing_Up_Your_Database. For a single site or small number of sites, you can back up your files manually using FTP, coordinating it with backing up your database.

I like to use the WordPress Plugin http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/wp-db-backup/ for automated database backups. After installation, it can be found in your WordPress Dashboard > Tools > Backup. I set my Backup to automatically run once a week (it can be modified to run more or less often), and email it to me. Once I received my emailed database, I log into my host account and manually download the WordPress folder onto my computer’s hard drive. To back up my SQL installation, I follow these procedures on my host account, hostmonster.com:
Export using phpMyAdmin. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Login to your cPanel and click phpMyAdmin icon in Databases section.
  • Select the database you wish to export the backup from the drop-down list.
  • Click on the “Export” Tab.
  • Click the “Select ALL” link shown in blue. Make sure the radio button for “SQL” is selected.
  • Check the “Save as file”, give it a file name, and click the “GO” button.
  • You will be asked to save the .sql file to the hard drive; select the desired path, and click the OK button.

    • To summarize (after WP-DB-Backup has been installed and set for automatic backups):

    • After receiving the email with your Database backup, manually download the WordPress folder from your host site
    • Export SQL from the Database Section

    Note: hostmonster.com uses Site Backup & Restore, a program that allows you to download and restore system backups. Backups of your files, databases, and configuration settings are created automatically every night. Daily, Weekly, and Monthly backups are stored on our servers. The Pro version adds powerful features that make restoring files faster and more convenient. These backups are automatic and the files are stored on their server offering another layer of protection.

    Restoring the Data

    The file created is a standard SQL file. If you want information about how to upload that file, look at Restoring Your Database From Backup. I like to use phpMyAdmin from the Control Panel of my host, hostmonster.com.

    Moving WordPress

    Again, straight from horse’s mouth with all the scenarios: http://codex.wordpress.org/Moving_WordPress

    More…

    I almost forgot to include this resource for reviews of many WordPress backup resources, http://www.blogaid.net/reports/How_to_Backup_Your_WordPress_Site.pdf, prepared by MaAnna of BlogAid.net.