forum backup/restore question-hdd failure.
 

I currently use mysqldump to backup my db's daily.I download a copy of the backup to my home pc and another copy is stored in an NAS space at my host.

my db is around 325 mb and growing slowly.i have a bunch of attachments and they are stored in the database.

here is my question.suppose my hard drive stops working due to a hardware issue and i dont have a backup of the home directory,will i be able to bring my forum back ?

i do download copies of my home directory through ftp once a week.do i have to do that everyday ,just like i make copies of my mysql db's ?

thanks

If your hard drive stops working and it can't be brought back to life at all, then your only option it to go with a backup that you have. Your host may have an option that will backup your site, or a directory on your site, to another hard drive - that may be an option for you. I actually rsync all my files offsite every night just in case something like what you describe happens.

Just like said, if the HDD fails your local backups are the only useable ones - maybe better think about a worst-worst case scenario and then it depends on you if weekly backups are ok or maybe backups can be made or downloaded each day :)

if your filesystem isn't changing much from day to day, you may consider taking a weekly/monthly filesystem backup and downloading to your home PC/NAS. Of course if your filesystem is constantly changing, a daily backup of only the new files should be done probably.

The database backup however, should be done daily and a daily off-site backup as well. (Maybe even twice daily depending on how active/important data is)

this will provide a great recovery point should the unthinkable happen.

thanks for the replies.....if i dont install any new hacks,all the files in my /home/mysite remains the same ..right ?

what else can cause changes to the above folder ?

all my stuff is under the /home/mysite folder.

Changes can occur from a few things depending on how you store attachments/sig pics/avatars and profile pictures.

If you store them in the database, then usually no file changes will occur. If you store them in the filesystem (recommended) then changes occur.

Depending on the new hacks (usually anything thats a simple .xml file upload) won't change your files.