How to Download and Restore Partial Backups (Files, Databases, Email) Print

Partial backups let you download, and later restore yourself, just one part of your account: your website files, a single MySQL database, or your email forwarders and filters. They're handy before updating a plugin, editing a database or tidying up email rules.

Download a partial backup

1. Log in to cPanel and go to Files › Backup.
2. Pick what you need:
   • Download a Home Directory Backup: click Home Directory to download your files (website files, plus mail stored in your home directory) as a .tar.gz archive.
   • Download a MySQL Database Backup: click the database name to download it as a compressed .sql.gz file.
   • Download Email Forwarders and Download Email Filters: click the domain to download its forwarders or filter rules.
3. Save the file somewhere safe off the server.

A large home directory can take a while to prepare. Keep the browser tab open until the download starts.

Restore a partial backup

Restoring overwrites what's there now. If there's any chance you'll want the current state back, back it up first.

1. Go to Files › Backup.
2. Find the matching restore section: Restore a Home Directory Backup, Restore a MySQL Database Backup, or Restore Email Forwarders / Restore Email Filters.
3. Click Choose File, select the backup file on your computer, then click Upload.
4. Wait for the confirmation message before leaving the page.

A database backup restores into a database with the same name. To restore into a database with a different name, import the file with phpMyAdmin instead: see importing and exporting a database.

Using the Backup Wizard instead

Files › Backup Wizard takes you through the same options one step at a time. Choose Back Up or Restore, then Home Directory, MySQL Databases or Email Forwarders & Filters, and follow the prompts.

Troubleshooting

• The upload fails or times out: very large files may be too big to upload through the browser. Open a ticket and we'll help.
• Need something from a few days ago that you didn't download? We keep daily backups for 7 days. See what we keep and how to request a restore.