So how do I backup my forum?

[mrpike]

I need this to be a really simple or detailed answer. Please talk to me like I have no clue how to do anything (because I don't).

[Illori]

How do I backup my database?

then use ftp to backup your files How do I use FTP? / What is FTP?

[lurkalot]

If you have cPanel, then you could use the file manager to select the files and folders you want, click compress, then download the compressed file.  It will give you a zipped folder containing all  your files and folders, and will download much faster.  Saves a lot of time.

[kat]

Actually, there's a better way, in CPanel.

Go to the "Backups" section.

In there, you can backup the site (Home directory) and the database.

You can restore them from the same place.

Doddle.

[lurkalot]

Actually, there's a better way, in CPanel.

Go to the "Backups" section.

In there, you can backup the site (Home directory) and the database.

You can restore them from the same place.

Doddle.

True, you can.  But you can't choose what files to backup using that method, you'll end up downloading everything in your home directory, and that could take ages.  Say you had more than one site on your server, and just wanted to upgrade one of your forums and needed a backup of that alone, just choose the folder containing the forum software, and zip it up.  Download it.

[kat]

That's perfectly true.

From what I've read of Mr. Pike's posts, thus far, though, I suspect he wants to know how to backup EVERYTHING, at the moment.

Selective backups can come later.

It'll be good for him to know the various options available, to him, too.

[mrpike]

Thanks for the answers people.

[mrpike]

Where is the C panel?

[Illori]

it should be your hosting control panel, however you manage your ftp database etc access to your server.

[mrpike]

Do I just click Backup database?

[Illori]

as well as backing up your files

[mrpike]

How do I backup my files?

[Illori]

there should be an option there to backup your files as well as the database, it may be called "home directory" as well as "mysql databases"

[sharks]

I personally use Cpanel too. The backup function from the admin panel doesn't work. It never did, except when i tried with a new forum, but for my current forum (6+ years old and upgraded multiple times) it's plain broken and downloads an empty file instead.