Yes, keeping a local copy of your website is highly recommended. Maintaining a backup of your website ensures that you’re prepared to quickly restore your files and data in case of server issues, hacking, accidental deletion, or other unexpected problems.
Why Keep a Local Copy?
- Quick Recovery: If your website experiences downtime or data loss, a local backup allows you to restore it quickly.
- Development Safety: Having a local copy makes it easier to test changes or updates in a safe environment before uploading them to your live site.
- Protection Against External Issues: Even though UnderHost provides reliable hosting services, unforeseen circumstances such as cyberattacks or corrupted files can still happen.
How to Create and Maintain a Local Copy
Follow these steps to create and maintain a local backup of your website:
1. Using cPanel’s Backup Tool
- Log in to Your cPanel: Access your hosting account via the CustomerPanel.
- Go to the Backup Section: Click on Backup or Backup Wizard under the Files section.
- Download a Full Backup: Select Generate Full Website Backup to create a compressed file of your website. Once the backup is complete, download it to your local computer.
2. Manually Download Files via FTP
If you prefer manual backups, use an FTP client like FileZilla or FlashFXP:
- Log in to your FTP account (details can be found in cPanel or your Welcome Email).
- Navigate to the
public_htmlfolder or your website’s root directory. - Select and download all website files to a local folder on your computer.
You can download FileZilla or FlashFXP from our mirror at https://underhost.com/mirror/.
3. Back Up Your Databases
If your website uses a database (e.g., MySQL), back it up separately:
- Log in to cPanel and open phpMyAdmin.
- Select your database from the left-hand menu.
- Click on Export and save the database file to your local computer.
4. Use Automated Backup Tools
For convenience, you can set up automated backups:
- Third-Party Plugins: If you use WordPress, install plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup to schedule backups.
- UnderHost Backup Services: Our hosting plans include options for automated backups. Contact our support team for more information about backup solutions.
How Often Should I Back Up My Website?
The frequency of backups depends on your website's activity level:
- Daily: For frequently updated sites like blogs, e-commerce stores, or news portals.
- Weekly: For websites with moderate changes, such as portfolios or business sites.
- Before Major Updates: Always back up your site before making significant changes or updates.
What to Do If You Lose Your Website?
If you lose your website and don’t have a local copy, contact our support team immediately through the CustomerPanel. Depending on your hosting plan, we may be able to retrieve a recent server-side backup for you.
Secure Your Website with UnderHost.com
At UnderHost, we prioritize your website’s security and reliability. Explore our Business Backup and Cold Storage Backup solutions to ensure your data is always protected.
