This guide explains how to back up and restore Windows VPS. Backing up your Windows Virtual Private Server (VPS) is an essential part of maintaining a reliable and secure hosting environment. If your VPS hosts websites, business applications, databases, Remote Desktop services, or file storage, regular backups provide a recovery point should you experience accidental file deletion, software corruption, hardware issues, malware, or failed system updates.
A VPS backup creates a snapshot of your server that can be restored if a problem occurs. Having recent backups helps minimise downtime and reduces the risk of permanent data loss. It is considered best practice to create a backup before installing new software, applying Windows Updates, changing server settings, or making significant configuration changes.
Domains.co.za VPS Hosting includes backup options that help protect your Windows VPS and allow you to restore your server if required.
IMPORTANT:
Restoring a VPS backup replaces the current contents of your server with the selected backup. Ensure you have saved any recent files or changes 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 Windows VPS is provisioned and running.
- You understand that restoring a backup will overwrite the current server data.
- You have saved any files created after the backup that you wish to keep.
- You have sufficient storage available for backups where applicable.
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How to Back Up & Restore a Windows VPS
Step 1: Access Your VPS Step 1: Access Your VPS
1. Login to your Domains.co.za Customer Portal using your username and password.
2. Open the Manage Services drop-down menu.
3. Select VPS Hosting and click Manage next to your domain.
4. Under Quick Manage select VNC Console
Step 2: Create a Backup
1. Open the Backups or Snapshots section of your VPS management interface.
2. Select your Windows VPS.
3. Click Create Backup or Create Snapshot.
4. Enter a descriptive backup name if prompted.
5. Confirm the backup request.
The system will begin creating a snapshot of your VPS. Depending on the size of the server and the amount of stored data, this process may take several minutes.
Step 3: Verify the Backup
After the backup has completed:
1. Confirm that the backup appears in your list of available backups.
2. Verify the backup name and creation date.
3. Ensure the backup completed successfully before making any major changes to your VPS.
Step 4: Restore a Backup
If you need to restore your Windows VPS:
1. Open Backups or Snapshots.
2. Select the backup you wish to restore.
3. Click Restore.
4. Review the warning that the current server data will be replaced.
5. Confirm the restore process.
The VPS will begin restoring the selected backup automatically.
Step 5: Wait for the Restore to Complete
Allow the restore process to finish without interruption.
During restoration:
- The VPS may restart automatically.
- Remote Desktop access may be temporarily unavailable.
- Current server data will be replaced with the selected backup.
Step 6: Verify the Server
Once the restore has completed:
- Connect to your VPS using Remote Desktop.
- Confirm that Windows starts normally.
- Verify that installed applications, websites, and services are operating correctly.
- Check that important files and data have been restored successfully.
Troubleshooting
- The Backup Does Not Complete: Ensure that your VPS is operating normally and that sufficient storage resources are available to create the backup.
- I Cannot Find My Backup: Refresh the backup list and verify that the backup completed successfully. If necessary, allow a few additional minutes for it to appear.
- The VPS Does Not Start After the Restore: Allow the VPS sufficient time to restart. If the server remains unavailable, contact Domains.co.za Support for assistance.
- Remote Desktop Is Unavailable: Wait for the restore process to complete fully before attempting to reconnect. If the issue persists, verify that the VPS is running.
- Some Files Are Missing: Only the data contained within the selected backup will be restored. Files created after the backup was taken will not be included.
Additional Information
- Creating regular VPS backups helps protect your server against accidental data loss and unexpected failures.
- It is recommended that you create a new backup before installing Windows Updates or making major configuration changes.
- Restoring a backup replaces the existing contents of your VPS with the selected backup version.
- Regularly testing your backups helps ensure they can be restored successfully if required.
- Keeping additional copies of critical business data in a separate location forms part of a good disaster recovery strategy.
- Monitoring available storage helps ensure there is sufficient capacity for future backups and snapshots.
- If you experience problems creating or restoring backups, contact the Domains.co.za Support team for further 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.
