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Cron job for Files Backup (attachments, avatars, etc.) · **Released**: 03-07-2008

This is a script meant to run as a Scheduled Task to backup your files if you have your attachments, avatars, etc. in the file system. I have been running it for a couple of years now and given it to a few other vb admins and figured I should share it here as my first Mod. I found the basic part of the script somewhere online a couple of years ago and modified it to work with vbulletin.

Installation:
Download the file and modify the variables at the top of the file. The $backupdir should be an absolute path to a folder you wish to backup. Make sure you have a trailing "/" in the path. The $backupto variable is the absolute path to the folder for your backups. It should also have a trailing "/" in the path. Once you fill in those variables, upload the file to your "includes/cron/" directory and go to your Admin CP > Scheduled Tasks > Add New Scheduled Task and create a new task to run the script. I run mine everynight (as seen in the attachment).

Notes:
The script I have attached is made to backup three different directories. You may add more or take away some. But, make sure if you add more at the top ($backupdir4, $fileprefix4) that you add them to the backupsus call. I used to have these variables set as globals in the function, however that stopped working for me after my last upgrade and instead of figuring out if this was a server issue, I simply changed the script to accommodate the change.

I have heard that some servers do not allow the use of the passthru() function. I can't help with that as I really don't know anything about servers and their personalities. Also, I assume this will work with windows servers also, but I can't help with that either as I have absolutely no experience with windows servers. This works for me and I hope it works for you to. I'm big on having backups around as it helps me sleep better at night.

Update:
1.0.1 - I forgot a semi-colon at the end of the $backupdir lines
1.0.2 - was: $backupattach = "cd $backupdir2;
s/b : $backupattach = "cd $backupdir3;

Lynne · #2 03-08-2008, 04:01 PM

Wanted to add to my post.... I actually have two copies of this script running on my board. One that I run that makes a backup of my avatars, profile pictures, and torrents. Then, one hour later, I run one that makes a backup of my attachments. I figured it might be a good idea to spread the load, so to speak, since I have about 7 GB of attachments and only 300 MB of the other files.

Boofo · #3 03-08-2008, 07:39 PM

Excellent! Thank you, Lynne.

valdet · #4 03-09-2008, 12:47 PM

Installed and interested to see initial feedback before I use it.

Boofo · #5 03-09-2008, 12:50 PM

I've been using it and it works like a charm.

athlon64bit · #6 03-09-2008, 05:20 PM

Do you intend to update this for vbulletin 3.7 when it goes gold?
It is a fantastic add-on.

Lynne · #7 03-09-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by athlon64bit

Do you intend to update this for vbulletin 3.7 when it goes gold?
It is a fantastic add-on.

I will update it for 3.7 since I will need it for my board when I upgrade to 3.7.

I'm glad you like it.

edit: Actually, I just ran the script on my 3.7 beta 2 test board and it ran just fine.

Boofo · #8 03-09-2008, 06:39 PM

Good job, Lynne!

mystic10 · #9 03-09-2008, 06:41 PM

what if u want to back up ur posting data everyday..how would i add that...and so sorry for aasking such a silly question but where would my back up folder be

Lynne · #10 03-09-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mystic10

what if u want to back up ur posting data everyday..how would i add that...and so sorry for aasking such a silly question but where would my back up folder be

Posting data is in the database, so you would need to run a database backup cron job, which this is not. This backup script is only for the files in your folders, not for the database information.