How to Create a Manual Backup

There's nothing more important than having a backup. Manual backups are essential, especially if you have an online presence or website. They can save you time and effort if you need to restore something.

• Creating Manual Backups: Files
• Creating Manual Backups: Databases
• Summary

This page provides a thorough guide on how to back up your files manually.

Creating Manual Backups: Files

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. Click Websites from the left navigation menu.
   
3. Select the website, which you will back up manually, and click SETTINGS.
   
4. Within the OVERVIEW section, scroll down, go to Quick Links, and tap FILE MANAGER.
   
5. Once the File Manager is launched. Go to the file manager’s Settings.
   
6. Ensure Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) is enabled to display all hidden files, such as the .htaccess file.
   
7. Navigate to your left to locate the folder you would like to create a backup.
   
8. Once you’re inside the folder, tap Select All to highlight all the files and click Compress.
   
9. Select ZIP Archive as the compression type to compress the files.
   
10. Archiving files will start provisioning, and once it’s complete, a 'well-known.zip' will appear in the folder where you run the manual backup, indicating that you have successfully backed up your files and are ready to save.

Creating Manual Backups: Databases

Learn how to create a database backup by visiting How to Backup a MySQL Database.

Summary

Creating your own backups is a good starting point. By following these steps, you can establish a reliable manual backup system to protect your valuable data.