In this article, we will show you how to create a backup and download it to your local machine. We strongly encourage clients to always have a backup of their content. 

You can easily create backups, however, the method of saving and downloading a backup may differ depending on what type of service you have with us. To reach a guide for your service, please select the appropriate option below. 

Dedicated and Virtual servers can be handled the same way, however, your options may vary based on the operating system that you are running. Please see the option for your operating system from the list below: 

CentOS with cPanel 

With cPanel, the best method to back up your server or specific accounts is through the WHM backup manager feature.  

To access this follow the steps below: 

1. Log into WHM (https://IPOFYOURSERVER:2087) 

1. Once logged in, navigate to the backup configuration manager (WHM >> Home >> Backup >> Backup Configuration) 

1. From here you can enable backups for specific accounts and choose the backup locations. 

It is recommended to hold the backups on an external location, for example, Google Drive, Amazon, or a separate FTP server. 

For more information and a breakdown of all the features in WHM's backup manager, you can view cPanel's documentation here.  

Other Linux Operating Systems 

The easiest way to back up your content from a Linux server is to install an FTP server and back up your content through a program like FileZilla.  

Installation may vary between each Linux OS, but here are a few examples: 

Ubuntu 14.04, 16.04, 18.04 

The article below will show you step-by-step how to install an FTP server on Ubuntu 14.04 - 18.04. 

Ubuntu FTP Guide 

Once installed, you will be able to connect to your server with an FTP program. A couple of great FTP examples are FileZilla and CyberDuck. Both FTP programs are available for Windows and Mac.  

Debian 

The article below will show you step-by-step on how to install an FTP server on Debian. 

Debian FTP Guide 

Windows 

Windows is a little different as there isn't an easy way to backup the whole server. The best method is to use Remote Desktop to access the server. Once logged in, you can transfer your content to online storage like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.  

If you have a website hosted with IIS on your server and you are familiar with FTP clients, you can install an FTP server and back up your site content. Before you can connect to your Windows server with an FTP client, you will first need to install an FTP Server. To do so follow the steps below:  

1. Press the Start menu and search for "Add Roles and Features Wizard" 

1. Continue to the Installation Type step and confirm Role-based installation. 

1. Select "Web Server Role (IIS) -> Role Services"  

1. In the list of options, select "FTP Server -> FTP Service" 

1. Continue to the end of the installation wizard and click "Install". 

1. Once finished, you will be able to FTP into your server to download your site content.