Knowledgebase

cPanel Backup & Restore (Firstserv Guide)

Firstserv provides two backup solutions on shared hosting to help you protect and restore your data when needed.

Backup Solutions Explained

✅ 1. Automatic Backups (JetBackup)

• Daily backups are taken automatically
• Stored securely off-server
• Do not count toward your disk usage

What You Can Restore

Using JetBackup, you can restore:

• Files and directories
• Databases
• Email accounts
• DNS zones
• Cron jobs
• SSL certificates
• Entire account

👉 These backups are available via your control panel for easy restoration

✅ 2. Manual Backups (cPanel Backup Tool)

cPanel also allows you to create on-demand (manual) backups whenever needed.

Accessing Backup Tools

Log in to cPanel and navigate to:

Files → Backup Wizard

👉 You can also use:

Files → Backup

Creating a Backup

Step 1: Open Backup Wizard

• Click Backup Wizard
• Choose:

  Backup
  

Backup Types

✅ Full Backup (Recommended for Migration)

• Creates a complete archive of your account
• Includes:
  • Website files
  • Databases
  • Emails
  • Settings

Output

• File type:

  .tar.gz (cpmove file)
  

Destination Options

• Home Directory (default)
• Remote FTP server
• Secure Copy (SCP)

👉 You can also receive a notification email when the backup is complete

✅ Partial Backups

1. Home Directory

• Backs up all files, including emails
• Output:

  .tar.gz
  

2. MySQL Databases

• Click the database name to download
• Output:

  .sql.gz
  

3. Email Forwarders & Filters

• Download configuration for email routing
• Output:

  .gz
  

Important Storage Note

⚠️ Always download and remove backup files after use.

• Backup files stored in your account:
  • Use disk space
  • May be removed during routine clean-ups

✅ Store backups externally (e.g. local computer or cloud storage)

Restoring a Backup

Step 1: Open Backup Wizard

• Click:

  Restore
  

Available Restore Options

✅ Home Directory Restore

• Upload your .tar.gz file
• Restores:
  • Website files
  • Email data

⚠️ May overwrite current data

✅ Database Restore

• Upload .sql or .sql.gz file
• Replaces existing database data

✅ Email Forwarders & Filters Restore

• Upload .gz file
• Restores email routing rules

Restoring a Full Backup

Full account restores cannot be completed directly in cPanel.

How to Restore a Full Backup

1. Upload your full backup (cpmove file) to your account
2. Open a support ticket
3. Firstserv will perform the full restore for you

Important Warnings

• ⚠️ Restores overwrite existing data
• ⚠️ Emails or database entries created after the backup may be lost

👉 Always ensure you have a current backup before restoring

Summary

• Firstserv provides:

  • ✅ Automatic backups (JetBackup)
  • ✅ Manual backups via cPanel

• Use Backup Wizard to:

  • Create full or partial backups
  • Restore files, databases, or email settings

• Store backups externally to save space and keep them safe

Need Help?

If you need assistance taking or restoring a backup, the Firstserv support team is always happy to help guide you safely through the process.