backup?

[berry05]

how do i backup the threads and stuff?

[Marco van Herwaarden]

The only reliable method of backing up and restoring a database is with shell access via telnet or ssh. This is because backing up with a PHP script like that in the Admin CP or phpMyAdmin can result in PHP timeouts errors and an incomplete backup file. Please see the instructions here:

Backup:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_backup

Restore:
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_restore

P.S. If you don't have shell access, some people have also reported success with these scripts:

MySQLDumper:
http://www.mysqldumper.de/en/index.php

MySQLHotxcopy:
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134821&highlight=mysqlhotcopy

Bigdump:
http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump.php

[Videx]

Actually, Marco's talking about regular automated backups. You can backup manually via cpanel also.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

No i am not talking about automatic backups at all, where did i say that? :confused:

Also what do you mean with "cpanel"? The vBulletin AdminCP, if so, no this is very unreliable and should not be used. If you are talking about the server control software cPanel, then yes this also have options to create a good backup, but this is not installed on all servers.

[Tom Shelly]

I just go my web site via FTP and copy the forum folder. Piece of cake. I create an exact copy of the folder and rename it 'forumbackup062508' and put it next to the forum folder. I can also copy it and download it to my hard drive on my computer in case the server erases all my files for some reason.

I've used this before and it's flawless. Making the copy takes about ten seconds even for large files. Copying the file your home computer hard drive takes longer so I only do that every two weeks or so.

Why complicate it with shellnet and so on. Just copy the damn folder and rename it backup. Works for me and I've used it when someone attacked my forum.

[Videx]

I just go my web site via FTP and copy the forum folder. Piece of cake. I create an exact copy of the folder and rename it 'forumbackup062508' and put it next to the forum folder.Just a reminder this will not backup your db, nor things like email account settings.

[Dismounted]

Simply copying the folder will not backup the most vital information - all your posts, threads, users, settings, etc.