Is a backup completely sufficient?

[AbuHossam]

Hello everyone!

I have a question about backups: Do they include everything? Like files, themes, and everything else?

Or are they limited to certain features?

image y.jpg

[KevC]

You can resurrect a board from just the database but ultimately you need the DB and the files for a complete copy.

The database tables contain the users, posts, forums, permissions, settings etc.
The files have the functionality plus the styles, attachments, avatars, smilies, and extensions. And any custom code changes you might do.

[AbuHossam]

@KevC

Oh my goodness...

So, how can I take a full and sufficient backup?

Excuse me, a hard drive on my server crashed before, and we suffered a lot, in other websites.

Since then, I have been very careful.

[KevC]

It's the same process as moving your board to a new host

Transferring Your Board to a New Host or Domain

[AbuHossam]

It's a long story, I think it will go to the server specialist.
thank you anyway.

[Mannix_]

I use software called Syncovery to backup these directories from the server:

• ext
• files
• images
• store
• styles

all other directories can be omitted from the backup since those are unmodified files found in the phpBB package.

One copy is stored locally on my machine and another is stored in the cloud.

I also use extension to create db backup that are being saved in the store directory on the server

[Mick]

There’s a couple of KBs on the subject as well as the one Kev linked.

Knowledge Base - Forum Backup Instructions

Knowledge Base - How to backup and restore your database with SSH

[SpIdErPiGgY]

I use filesync to make an auto backup everynight
https://freefilesync.org/

Then I have a script to auto archive the files with winrar

[warmweer]

So, how can I take a full and sufficient backup?

1 = database backup
2 = files backup (that means all files/directories in your board root)

The other thing = the only reliable backup is a backup that has been tested and confirmed complete).

As to the database backup: there are 2 options: 1 = data only, 2 = structure and data.

Structure and data is the safest

[AmigoJack]

As time moves forward you may also want to make sure you still have the installations of all the required software in the supported versions, as those version might become unavailable in the future. It wouldn't be the dumbest idea to at least save once:

• your HTTP server (most likely Apache)
• your DMBS software (most likely MariaDB or MySQL)
• PHP

...each in the versions you currently use and make sure you're able to still install them. If that was done by the hoster in the past then keep in mind that in 5-10 years they might offer you only different versions of that software, or even completely different software.

Why keeping software installation packets which might be outdated in the future? Not because you want to go live with that, but because you want your website to get run at least (which can also happen without access to the internet) to then be able to migrate it to up-to-date software.

[thecoalman]

I use filesync to make an auto backup everynight
https://freefilesync.org/

You can use WinSCP to do this but you need to create a script and have Windows task scheduler fire it off.

One thing to be aware of is a synced file system is not really a true backup because there is no revision of files.e.g. file on the server gets corrupted and you sync it to the backup and now both files are corrupted.

[thecoalman]

Why keeping software installation packets which might be outdated in the future? Not because you want to go live with that, but because you want your website to get run at least (which can also happen without access to the internet) to then be able to migrate it to up-to-date software.

XAMPP has multiple php/MySQL versions going back to at least php 5.X. The XAMPP versions going back to 5.5.X is also the php version.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/xampp/ ... 20Windows/

[SpIdErPiGgY]

One thing to be aware of is a synced file system is not really a true backup because there is no revision of files.e.g. file on the server gets corrupted and you sync it to the backup and now both files are corrupted.

The auto .rar takes care of that.
It also just goes one way... Server - - > home pc
So yeah... Not really syncing...

[dgkulick]

Bluehost has something called CodeGuard. The first year appears free and after that is $36 per year. This topic caused me to spend a few minutes setting it up. It backs up the database (you have to give them the username/password) and all the files, It seems that I can click on any backup and restore it. I'm not sure how long it maintains backup but it has some sort of cycle.

[warmweer]

Relying on the host for backups usually results in complacency.

You're better of (read safer) in backing up yourself.
See Forum Backup Instructions