Process of making sure backups work for your forum

**funkdoctorspock** · 10-30-2007, 09:44 PM

I am fairly diligent when it comes to backing up my forum.

However, I have never tested those backups.

How does everyone go about doing it if they do test and if you don't, where do you store your backups? Is a one method safer than the next?

**Michael Biddle** · 10-31-2007, 08:51 AM

how i do it, is i use Ken Iovinos daily backup, it saves the files to your ftp. then when you want to download, you just upload the .sql file to the phpmyadmin. doesnt get easier then that really.

**Yogesh Sarkar** · 10-31-2007, 12:06 PM

I have automatic back cron script from Adminfusion which saves backup in to the root directory of my hosting account. Apart from that, once every day I optimize my database through phpmyadmin and down load the compress copy of it. I make sure there are at least two different copies of the database on the local system and at least 3 on the hosting account apart from the backup my host does.

**funkdoctorspock** · 10-31-2007, 02:36 PM

k, I can make a backup to the host through phpmyadmin..

So I guess I need to make sure I have a copy on my local computer as well.

Thanks for the replies

**Brandon Sheley** · 10-31-2007, 07:16 PM

I use Ken's hack as well, makes a full backup once a day and saves it to the server, and it's emailed to me.

**funkdoctorspock** · 10-31-2007, 08:09 PM

can someone point to this hack please.

Thank you.

**bdude** · 10-31-2007, 11:20 PM

This is what I use: '+' - I don't know if it's Ken's but it does the smae thing.

**Michael Biddle** · 11-01-2007, 07:30 AM

Automatic Database Back-up - vBulletin Modifications

**funkdoctorspock** · 11-02-2007, 08:55 PM

quick question.

I've installed it with no issues on my forum.

However, when I did a immediate save to backup, and checked my db, there is the saved backup along with an error file txt in my backup folder.

Why would that be? More importantly, what do I need to do to resolve this?

Thanks in advance.

**eric** · 11-03-2007, 12:52 AM

Start to open the text file and read it . Might be standard procedure and there might be nothing in it. Hard to tell this way.

**funkdoctorspock** · 11-03-2007, 08:15 PM

thats just it.

The txt is blank.

mike or brandon. Do receive an error txt file in your databackup logs?

thanks in advance

**funkdoctorspock** · 11-08-2007, 09:54 PM

bump.

Would like to know the answer to this before I proceed with my upgrade.

Also, I did a test run upgrade and I have a question. I get through steps 1-5 easy. Then when I am asked to proceed, it tells me I need to remove the install.php before I proceed. I do that. Then I click next and it just sits there. Doesn't the process take you back to the admincp? What would be the reasons for it to hang?

Thanks in advance!

**Yogesh Sarkar** · 11-09-2007, 12:17 AM

Have you tried manually logging in to the admincp and checking whether or not the install has been upgraded?

**funkdoctorspock** · 11-09-2007, 05:57 AM

I have, and it states it is upgraded.

But reading the instructions, it says that it takes some time to update the templates and then it sends you back to the admincp. It just didn't do that for me.

To stop the process and go to the admincp after removing install.php and tool.php on my test board is fine. I don't have anything to lose. I'm just concerned that I mess something up by doing the same with my actual board.

Trying my best to make sure I understand what's going on before I actually upgrade.

**Michael Biddle** · 11-09-2007, 07:00 AM

You should always remove your install.php. Also tools.php should not be on your ftp unless you are using it.

**noppid** · 11-09-2007, 07:22 AM

Create a test database and restore your backup database to it. Then inspect it in phpmyadmin or put a test install up against it.

That would be a solid test.

**funkdoctorspock** · 11-09-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitemike

You should always remove your install.php. Also tools.php should not be on your ftp unless you are using it.

Very true. The install and tools were needed for the install/upgrade of vbulletin on my test board.

When I finished upgrading, I removed both.

Quote:

Originally Posted by noppid

Create a test database and restore your backup database to it. Then inspect it in phpmyadmin or put a test install up against it.

That would be a solid test.

Great idea!!!

I'll definitely try that

**noppid** · 11-09-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkdoctorspock

Great idea!!!

I'll definitely try that

I get one of them every now and then.

Good luck.

**funkdoctorspock** · 11-15-2007, 10:14 AM

just wanted to give everyone an update.

I was able to setup a test forum rather easy. Had a chance to figure out where things go for the most part and practiced upgrading.

Today, I finally upgraded. All my earlier worries were very unfounded. The upgrade process in total took 15 mins, and the board is fine. Later this evening, I have the "fun" task of putting in 3.6.8 plugins, adding skins and adding suggestions which Brandon made to me when I first signed on.

To anyone that has been thrown in the deep end, I can state from experience that the key is getting up a test board. Get familiar with vbulletin's features, where things go and then apply what you've learned to your actual board.

Thanks everyone for your help. Greatly, greatly appreciated!

**noppid** · 11-16-2007, 05:26 AM

Good to hear you came away from this with a positive experience. Good job and good advice for the new folks.

**Luigi** · 06-28-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Biddle

Automatic Database Back-up - vBulletin Modifications

Okay, I've per everyone's recommendations I downloaded Ken's Database Backup Modification above.

The directions state:

Quote:

Upload the databack.php file to your includes/cron/ directory
Upload the product-databasebackup.xml file using the upload new product link in your admin cp panel.

Add new Scheduled Task:
Admincp -> Scheduled Tasks -> Add New Scheduled Task

Title: Automatic Database Back-up
Day of the Week: *
Day of the Month: *
hour: 23
Log Entries: Yes
Filename: ./includes/cron/databack.php

This will backup your database every 23 hours. Change it if you want.

I went to the AdminCP and told the program to run a back up now..where does it save the backup? I followed the directions above, did I miss something? :ahand_sos:

-Luigi

**Brandon Sheley** · 06-28-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luigi

Okay, I've per everyone's recommendations I downloaded Ken's Database Backup Modification above.

The directions state:

I went to the AdminCP and told the program to run a back up now..where does it save the backup? I followed the directions above, did I miss something? :ahand_sos:

-Luigi

If I remember right, there is a spot in vboptions for the path of the backup.

**Luigi** · 06-28-2008, 02:26 PM

Brandon looks like you're right. For those who got stuck as well...go to

AdminCP-> Vbulletin Options -> Databackup Settings -> designate path: For example, /home/yoursite/public_html/backups (create that folder)

A million thanks,

-Luigi