How do I create and restore a backup in DirectAdmin?

Regular backups are your safety net. If a change breaks your site or you lose a file, a backup lets you roll back quickly. DirectAdmin makes it easy to create and restore backups yourself. Here is how.

Creating a backup #

1. Log in to DirectAdmin (usually yourdomain.com:2222).
2. Go to Account Manager and click Create/Restore Backups.
3. Under Create Backup, choose what to include: website files, databases, email, forwarders, and settings.
4. To back up everything, leave all options checked.
5. Click Create Backup.
6. DirectAdmin builds the backup and places it in your backups folder. You will usually get a notification when it is ready.

Creating a partial backup #

You can back up just one part of your account:

• Email only: check only the email options.
• Database only: check only the database options.
• Files only: check only the website files option.

Downloading your backup #

1. Open File Manager and go to the backups directory.
2. Download the backup file to your computer for safekeeping.
3. Store important backups off the server as well.

Restoring a backup #

1. Go back to Create/Restore Backups.
2. Under Restore Backup, select the backup file.
3. Choose which parts to restore.
4. Click Restore Selected Items and wait for it to finish.

Best practices #

• Take a backup before major changes, such as updating a theme or plugin.
• Keep at least one recent copy downloaded off-server.
• Test that you can restore, so there are no surprises later.

Need a hand? #

If a restore does not go smoothly, our support team can assist over live chat.