How to upload a website backup with cPanel File Manager is one of the quickest ways to manually restore your site, whether you’re migrating to a new server, rolling back after an error, or having a restore point after making major changes. Domains.co.za’s Web Hosting plans include full access to cPanel, giving you complete control over your website’s files and data. With just a few clicks, you can upload and extract your backup files directly into your hosting account.

How to Upload a Website Backup With cPanel File Manager

1. Login to your Domains.co.za account.

2. Click on Manage Services on the left-hand side and select Web Hosting from the drop-down menu.

3. Click Manage next to your website’s domain name.

4. Next, click the Login button next to Control Panel to access your cPanel dashboard.

5. Scroll to the Files section in the cPanel dashboard and click File Manager.

6. Navigate to the correct folder. For primary domains, go to public_html; for addon domains, go to the respective folder under public_html/youraddon.co.za.

7. Click Upload located in the top menu.

8. Select your backup file (usually a .zip, .tar, or .gz format) from your computer or other storage device and upload it.

9. Return to the File Manager in cPanel once the upload is complete.

10. Locate the uploaded file, right-click it, and select Extract.

11. Choose the current directory or set the extraction path to the correct website folder.

12. Once extracted, your website files will be live in the specified folder.

13. Check your site to ensure it loads correctly.

Additional Information

Tips for An Easy Website Backup with cPanel File Manager

• File Size Limits: The File Manager often has upload size restrictions. If your website backup is very large, you might need to use alternative methods like an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client or the Backup Wizard included in cPanel.
• Check Permissions: After extracting your backup, it’s essential to set the correct file and folder permissions. Generally, files should be set to 644 and folders to 755. Incorrect permissions can prevent your website from functioning properly.
• Overwriting Existing Files: Be cautious when uploading a backup, as it can overwrite existing files in your directory. If you have any current files that you want to save, download them first before proceeding with the backup upload.
• Staging Environments: When testing an older version of your site or a backup, it’s highly recommended to upload it to a subdomain or a staging environment. This prevents any potential issues from affecting your live website.
• SSL Settings & Redirects: After restoring a website, always verify that your SSL certificate is functioning correctly and that any redirects you have in place are still working as expected.

WordPress Website Backups

If your website backup includes a database file, for example, when using the WordPress CMS (Content Management System), you’ll need to restore it separately using phpMyAdmin.

After restoring the database, remember to update your WordPress configuration file to ensure it correctly links to the restored database.

If you are restoring a WordPress site, you may need to edit and update the wp-config.php file to reflect your current database credentials (database name, username, and password).