Using JetBackup 4 in cPanel: A Complete Guide to Managing Your Website Backups

Overview

Prerequisites

• Active hosting account

• cPanel login credentials

• Basic understanding of website files and databases

Accessing JetBackup 4

• Log in to your cPanel account

• Locate the "JetBackup" section in cPanel

• Click into the JetBackup interface

Understanding the JetBackup 4 Interface

• Full Account Backups: Complete backups of your entire hosting account

• File Backups: Individual file and directory backups

• Database Backups: MySQL database backups

• Queue: Shows current backup and restore operations

• Snapshots: Point-in-time backup copies

Viewing Available Backups

• Select the desired backup type from the menu

• Browse through the available backup dates

• Each backup shows:

• Creation date and time

• Backup size

• Status (completed/failed)

• Available actions

Restoring a Full Backup

• Click on "Full Account Backup"

• Select the desired backup date

• Click the "Restore" button

• Choose restore options:

• Full restore

• Select specific items

• Confirm the restoration

Restoring Specific Items

• Select the appropriate backup type (File Backups or Database Backups)

• Choose the backup date

• Click "Browse" to view backup contents

• Select specific files or databases

• Click "Restore Selected"

• Confirm the restoration

Understanding and Using Snapshots

What are Snapshots?

Creating a Snapshot

• Navigate to the "Snapshots" section in JetBackup

• Click "Create New Snapshot"

• The system will automatically create a complete snapshot of your environment

• Monitor the snapshot creation progress in the Queue section

• If the status appears unchanged, try closing and reopening the Queue

• Wait for "Completed" status

Accessing and Using Snapshots

• Snapshots section (main view)

• Full Account Backups section

• File Backups section

• Database Backups section

• Restore

• Generate Download

Downloading Backups

• Select the desired backup

• Click the "Download" button

• Choose download options:

• Full backup

• Selected items only

• Important: Before downloading, ensure you have sufficient disk space in your cPanel account

• Downloaded backups are stored in your cPanel and count towards your disk space quota

• Consider downloading specific items rather than full backups when possible

• Alternatively, you can request our support team to prepare and provide the download for you

• Wait for the backup to prepare

• Download the backup file to your local computer

Real-World Restoration Scenarios

Scenario 1: Single File Change

• Inefficient Approach: Performing a full account restore

• Recommended Approach: Use File Backup restoration to restore only the specific file

• Benefits: Restoration completes in minutes instead of hours

• Example: Restoring a modified header.php file from your theme

Scenario 2: Plugin Updates Gone Wrong

• Inefficient Approach: Performing a full account restore

• Recommended Approach:

• Restore only the specific plugin directory from File Backups

• If needed, restore the database separately

• Benefits: Minimizes downtime and resource usage

• Example: Restoring WooCommerce plugin directory and database after a problematic update

Scenario 3: Unknown Changes

• This is when a full account restore makes sense

• Note: Be prepared for longer restoration times based on your site's size

Impact of Disk Space on Restoration

• Full restore duration directly correlates with your site's disk space usage

• Example timing estimates:

• 2GB site: ~30 minutes

• 10GB site: Several hours

• 20GB+ site: Can take many hours

• Always identify what specifically needs restoration

• Use targeted restores whenever possible:

• Individual files

• Specific directories

• Single database tables

• Consider timing of restoration:

• Plan large restores during off-peak hours

• Communicate with users if site downtime is necessary

Restoration Decision Guide

• Do I know exactly what changed?

• Yes: Restore specific files/directories

• No: Consider full restore

• When did the issue start?

• Select backup from before the issue occurred

• What type of change caused the issue?

• Plugin update → Restore plugin directory

• Theme edit → Restore theme file/directory

• Content changes → Restore database

• Unknown → Full restore

Support Team Assistance

Backup Restoration Service

• Which backup date you need restored

• What specific items need restoration (if applicable)

• Any relevant details about why the restoration is needed

Backup Download Service

• Request a backup download through support

• Specify the backup date needed

• The team will prepare and provide you with the download

• This prevents you from using your cPanel disk space for downloads

Important Notes

• Backups are created automatically twice daily

• Retention period is 30 days

• Backups are stored offsite in redundant data centres

• No additional backup plugins are required

• Support team is available 24/7 if assistance is needed

Getting Help

1. Contact support through:
• Support portal - https://support.wpcloud.ca/clientarea.php
• Email - support@wpcloud.ca

2. When requesting backup assistance, please provide:
• Backup date needed
• Type of restoration/download required
• Any specific files/directories if applicable
• Description of the issue (if restoration is due to a problem)

3. Our support team can:
• Perform the restoration for you
• Prepare and send backup downloads
• Guide you through the process if you prefer to do it yourself
• Answer any questions about the backup/restore process