This guide explains how to back up and restore a Linux VPS. Regular backups are one of the most important parts of managing a Linux Virtual Private Server (VPS). If you are hosting websites, databases, applications, or development environments, having a recent backup allows you to recover quickly from accidental file deletion, software failures, configuration errors, security incidents, or unsuccessful updates.
A VPS backup creates a snapshot of your server that can be restored if something goes wrong. Keeping regular backups helps minimise downtime and reduces the risk of permanent data loss. It is recommended that you always create a backup before making significant changes to your server, such as installing new software, upgrading the operating system, or modifying important configurations.
Domains.co.za VPS Hosting includes backup options that allow you to protect your server and restore it when necessary.
IMPORTANT:
Restoring a VPS backup replaces the current server data with the contents of the selected backup. Ensure you have copied any newer files you wish to keep before beginning the restore process.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Before You Begin
Before creating or restoring a backup, ensure that:
- You have access to the Domains.co.za Customer Portal.
- Your Linux VPS is provisioned and running.
- You have sufficient storage available for backups where applicable.
- You understand that restoring a backup will overwrite current server data.
- You have saved any recent files or changes that are not included in the backup.
How to Back Up And Restore a Linux VPS
Step 1: Connect to Your VPS Using SSH
1. Open your preferred SSH client and connect to your server using your existing credentials.
Step 2: Create a Backup
2. Open the Backups or Snapshots section of your VPS management interface.
3. Select your Linux VPS.
4. Click Create Backup or Create Snapshot.
5. Enter a descriptive name for the backup if prompted.
6. Confirm the backup request.
The system will begin creating a snapshot of your VPS. The time required depends on the size of your server and the amount of stored data.
Step 3: Verify the Backup
Once the backup has completed:
- Confirm that the backup appears in your list of available backups.
- Verify the creation date and backup name.
- Ensure the backup completed successfully before making major changes to your VPS.
Step 4: Restore a Backup
If you need to restore your VPS:
1. Open Backups or Snapshots.
2. Select the backup you wish to restore.
3. Click Restore.
4. Review the warning message explaining that the current VPS data will be replaced.
5. Confirm the restoration.
The restore process will begin automatically.
Step 5: Wait for the Restore to Complete
Allow sufficient time for the restore process to finish.
During restoration:
- The VPS may restart.
- Services may be temporarily unavailable.
- Existing data will be replaced by the selected backup.
Do not interrupt the process.
Step 6: Verify the Server
After the restore completes:
- Connect to the VPS using SSH.
- Confirm that your websites, applications, and services are functioning correctly.
- Verify that important files and configurations have been restored successfully.
Troubleshooting
- The Backup Does Not Complete: Verify that your VPS is operating normally and that sufficient storage resources are available for the backup process.
- I Cannot Find My Backup: Refresh the backup list and confirm that the backup completed successfully. If necessary, wait a few minutes for the backup to appear.
- The VPS Does Not Start After a Restore: Allow additional time for the server to complete its restart. If the VPS remains unavailable, contact Domains.co.za Support.
- Some Files Are Missing: Only the data contained in the selected backup will be restored. Any files created after the backup was taken will not be included.
- Applications Are Not Working Correctly: Restart any affected services after the restore and verify that application configuration files were restored successfully.
Additional Information
- Creating regular backups helps protect your VPS against accidental data loss and unexpected system failures.
- It is recommended that you create a fresh backup before performing operating system updates or major software changes.
- Restoring a backup replaces the current contents of your VPS with the selected backup version.
- Regularly testing your backups helps ensure they can be restored successfully when required.
- Important business data should also be copied to an off-site location as part of a comprehensive backup strategy.
- Monitoring available storage helps ensure sufficient space is available for future backups.
- If you experience problems creating or restoring VPS backups, contact the Domains.co.za Support team for assistance.
Login to Domains.co.za Account
1. Go to the Domains.co.za website Account Login page.
2. Enter your Email and Password and click the Sign In button.
3. You will see the Domains.co.za Dashboard, displaying the Manage Account menu on the left and your Account Information, Account Overview and Open Support Tickets on the right.
