How to Download a Home Directory Backup
Backups are a crucial part of maintaining a website. It is vital to backup your files on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis or before making any major changes so that a backup is available in the event of data loss.
A home directory backup will backup all of the files in your home directory. This can be useful for backing up the files for your site; however, it is only a partial backup, and it will not include DNS, MySQL, or other system files and settings. If you would prefer to generate a full backup, please see the following article:
The following video will demonstrate how to backup your website using your HostGator cPanel.
Note: Your control panel may look slightly different depending on the theme you are using; however, the steps will be the same for all themes based on the HostGator theme.
Create a Home Directory Backup
To create a backup of your home directory:
- Log into cPanel.
- In the Files section, click on the Backup icon.
- Under Partial Backups,> Download a Home Directory Backup, click the Home Directory button.
- There will be no pop-up, but it will automatically be saved on your computer's download folder.
The backup file will be in a .tar.gz file, which can be opened with a Linux command line. The file can also be unzipped from a Windows-based machine with the appropriate software.
Restore a Home Directory Backup
A home directory backup can be restored in cPanel, in the same place where the backup was created.
- Log into cPanel.
- In the Files section, click on the Backup icon.
- Under Partial Backups, navigate to the Restore a Home Directory Backup, click on the Choose File button.
- In the pop-up that appears, navigate to the appropriate destination and select the backup file you intend to use.
- Click Open.
- Click Upload.
A new tab will open, displaying all of the files that were replaced. This is only for confirmation purposes and is safe to close.