How to Restore Website Backup

Introduction

Restoring a website backup allows you to recover your website files, databases, emails, or full hosting account after:

• Website corruption

• Hacking or malware attacks

• Accidental file deletion

• Failed updates

• Server migration

• Website errors

Most hosting accounts allow backups to be restored through cPanel or manually using File Manager and phpMyAdmin.

Types of Website Backups

Before Restoring Backup

Before starting:

• Verify backup file integrity

• Download a current backup if possible

• Confirm correct backup date

• Ensure enough hosting storage space

Method 1: Restore Backup Using cPanel Backup Wizard

This is the easiest method for restoring backups.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Open:

https://yourdomain.com:2083

or:

https://my.govaio.com/login

Step 2: Open Backup Wizard

1. Go to the Files section

2. Click:

Backup Wizard

Step 3: Choose Restore

Click:

Restore

Step 4: Select Backup Type

You may restore:

Step 5: Upload Backup File

Select your backup file from your computer.

Common backup formats:

.zip
.tar.gz
.sql

Step 6: Start Restoration

Click:

Upload

The server will begin restoring your backup.

Restoration time depends on backup size.

Method 2: Restore Website Files Manually

Use this method when restoring website files only.

Step 1: Open File Manager

1. Log in to cPanel

2. Open:

File Manager

Step 2: Open Website Directory

Navigate to:

public_html

Step 3: Upload Backup Archive

Upload your backup ZIP file.

Example:

backup.zip

Step 4: Extract Backup

1. Right-click backup archive

2. Click:

Extract

Extract files into:

public_html

Step 5: Replace Existing Files

If prompted:

• Overwrite old files

• Verify correct folder structure

Method 3: Restore MySQL Database

If your website uses a database (WordPress, Laravel, WHMCS, etc.), restore the database separately.

Step 1: Open phpMyAdmin

In cPanel, open:

phpMyAdmin

Step 2: Select Database

Choose your database from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Import SQL Backup

1. Click:

Import

2. Select .sql backup file

3. Click:

Go

Database restoration will begin.

Method 4: Restore Full cPanel Backup

Full backups usually require server administrator restoration.

Full Backup Restoration Includes

• Website files

• Databases

• Email accounts

• DNS settings

• FTP accounts

• cPanel settings

Typical Full Backup File

Example:

backup-5.26.2026_12-00-00_username.tar.gz

Important Notes About Full Backups

• Full backups often cannot be restored directly from shared hosting cPanel

• Root/administrator access may be required

• Contact hosting support for assistance

After Restoring Backup

After restoration:

• Test website functionality

• Verify database connection

• Check email accounts

• Verify SSL certificate

• Clear browser and website cache

Recommended File Permissions

Common Backup Restoration Errors

1. Website Showing White Screen

Cause:

Broken PHP files or plugin conflicts.

Solution:

• Enable PHP error logs

• Disable problematic plugins

• Restore older backup

2. Database Connection Error

Cause:

Incorrect database credentials.

Solution:

Verify:

• Database name

• Username

• Password

• Database host

3. Backup Upload Failed

Cause:

Upload size limit exceeded.

Solution:

• Upload via FTP

• Contact hosting support

4. Missing Images or CSS

Cause:

Incomplete file restoration.

Solution:

• Re-upload missing files

• Verify correct directory structure

Security Recommendations

• Keep regular backups

• Store backups offsite

• Scan backups for malware before restoring

• Use automatic backup systems

• Backup before making major changes

Best Backup Practices

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I restore only website files?

Yes. Restore only the public_html files if needed.

Q2. Can I restore only database?

Yes. Use phpMyAdmin to import .sql backup files.

Q3. Will restoring backup overwrite existing files?

Usually yes. Existing files may be replaced.

Q4. How long does restoration take?

Depends on backup size:

• Small sites: few minutes

• Large sites: longer

Q5. What if my backup is corrupted?

Try:

• Another backup version

• Re-download backup

• Contact support

Need Help?

If you need assistance restoring your website backup, contact support:

📧 support@govaio.com