Ever seen that little bar at the top of you WordPress Dashboard that says: “Update Now?”
You may be tempted to click it.
But are you ready?
WordPress helpfully reminds you: “Please backup your database and files before updating.”
Now what does that actually mean?
Imagine Your Website As a City
Imagine your website as a small city.
Zoom in, and you can see this city is populated with tiny data “citizens.” These little data people live out their lives in houses called “databases.” They work and shop in places called “files.”
Sometimes “WordPress updates” make major changes to that little city.
It may change small things, like road construction. Or it may change large things, like bulldozing old buildings to put in a park.
Either way, you need way to “turn back the clock” if something goes wrong.
It’s called a database and file backup. Doing them often is advisable –at least every quarter, ideally every month. Back up more often if you update frequently.
I don’t have time for this
If you do not enjoy looking at code, or just have better things to do, we can help. If you have a minor panic attack at the thought of deleting crucial files on your website, give us a call: 918.518.6576. We handle this type of rescue operation daily. Our backups have backups.
This tutorial is to help ensure that the little update button will prove to be a help, and not a harm to your website.
WARNING: Advanced users only.
Backing up database
OMNIS DATABASE BACKUPS:
1) Go to PHPMyAdmin. For Omnis, it’s here: http://toolbox.omnis.com/phpmyadmin/index.php
2) Log in using the database username and password.
PHPMYADMIN DATABASE BACKUP
1) If you can’t find the login info, you can get it from the wp-config.php file. It will be under DB_user, and DB_password.
2) From the landing page, hit “databases” in the top navigation.
3) Click on the database name.
If you don’t see a database name, then click the site’s name at the top of the sidebar at the left. Then click “Export.”
4) Click “Export” in the top nav.
5) Click “Custom.”
5a) Under “Output,” choose “None” for compression.
5b) Under “Object creation options,” hit the checkbox for “Add DROP TABLE / VIEW / PROCEDURE / FUNCTION / EVENT statement.”
6) Hit “Go” and download the SQL file.
Congrats! You have a database backup now.
How to Backup Files
1) Log into your FTP sever (FileZilla.)
Find site manager, and click the site you want to back up.
2) In Local Site, find the folder you want to backup your site in, and open it.
3) In Remote site, highlight all files.
Right click, and hit “Download.”
Voila! You’re done!
Remembering to back up your database and files is very important to know how to do. Now you have the tools. Have fun backing up!
Still having trouble?
Give us a call: 918.518.6576 We make the internet a better place to live.