Restoring your files from cPanel is a straightforward task, but it's essential to follow the correct process to ensure a smooth restoration without any data loss. cPanel offers a user-friendly user interface with various backup options that cater to different needs, including partial backups and full restoration of website data. Whether you're a website owner running a small blog or an online business, understanding the restoration process is critical.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of restoring files from cPanel, focusing on backup website files, restoring specific database backup files, and troubleshooting potential issues like frequent error messages. DotsDen provides these services through our top-rated hosting solutions, ensuring reliable performance and industry-leading speed.
Steps to Restore Files from cPanel
- Access cPanel File Manager
Log in to your cPanel account and locate the File Manager option. This tool is crucial for navigating your website's file structure. It's often used to view, edit, and manage your files, including backups. Once you click on File Manager, a new window will open, displaying your root directory and other files essential for your website's operation. For Internet users unfamiliar with the process, the interface is intuitive and includes a helpful options menu.
Image: 1 File Manager View Marked in Red
- Locating Backup Files
Scroll through the directory and locate the folder containing your backup files. Typically, backups are stored in the backup folder or trash folder if recently deleted. This folder may contain partial home directory backups or full website backups. Ensure that you're restoring from the correct file to avoid overwriting the wrong data. Be cautious with file paths, especially if you manage domain email forwarders or multiple types of business websites.
DotsDen's hosting solutions automatically generate regular backups, helping users keep their data secure. If you’re using Scala Hosting or a similar service, you can find backup data easily in the designated folders, whether in the remote directory or download directory.
Image 2: Backup Folder Marked
- Restoring Files
After finding your backup, select the specific file or folder you wish to restore. In cPanel, you’ll see a Restore option when right-clicking the file. This will initiate the restoration process. Be sure to confirm that the correct version of the backup is selected, as restoring outdated files can lead to frequent error messages or compatibility issues with current website files. If restoring multiple files, you can use the Restore from menu to choose specific files.
During the restoration, status messages will appear at the top of the page, indicating the progress. If successful, a confirmation message title will display.
Image 3: Restoration in Progress
- Restoring Database Backups
In addition to restoring files, cPanel allows for the restoration of database backup files. To restore a database, navigate to the MySQL Database section in cPanel. Once inside, select the database you wish to restore from your backup file and click on Restore. Ensure the database file path is correct before proceeding to avoid issues with the database user permissions or incorrect file formats.
If you encounter any errors, such as a failure message, it could indicate issues with the database user permissions or incorrect file formats. Make sure to follow proper steps when restoring database tables.
Image 4: Database Restore Marked
- Verifying the Restoration
After the restoration is complete, verify the process by browsing through your site and checking for any frequent error messages. Also, you can check the restoration log file in cPanel for additional details or possible troubleshooting if the restoration didn’t proceed as expected.
DotsDen recommends users perform regular restorations to test their backups and ensure all backup files are intact. It’s a good practice, especially for websites with frequent updates or those storing critical data for a respective business. Your team of SEO professionals and developers will appreciate having a reliable backup system in place.
Troubleshooting Common Restoration Issues
- Hidden Files Not Restored
If you notice that some files, particularly hidden files, are not restored, ensure you have selected "Show Hidden Files" in File Manager. These files are typically configuration files that are critical for your website’s performance.
- Frequent Error Messages During Restoration
When encountering frequent error messages, it’s essential to check the file path and ensure that you are restoring files to the correct location. Ensure that the backup process is completed successfully before attempting restoration.
- Slow Restoration Speed
If the restoration process is slow, consider upgrading to a dedicated hosting solution for industry-leading speed and reliable performance. DotsDen offers cheaper options for upgrading to dedicated hosting or reseller hosting, ensuring your backups are restored faster with fewer errors. If you're short on time, it's also helpful to perform the restoration during a Limited Time when fewer Internet users are active.
Tips for Smooth Restorations
- Regular Backups: Always perform regular backups to avoid data loss. DotsDen includes backup solutions for every hosting account.
- Backup Website Files: Ensure you back up website files before making major changes to prevent data loss.
- Check File Structure: Verify the file structure after restoring to ensure all files, including hidden files, are in their proper directories.
- Use File Manager: The File Manager is an essential tool for browsing and restoring files. Make sure to become familiar with its interface to avoid mistakes during restoration.
Additionally, if you are involved in passive mode transfer for files, double-check the connection settings to prevent interruptions during the restoration of files.
