Backing Up a WordPress Blog Database

Back it up — just in case.

It happens more often than you think. Your server’s hard disk dies and takes all of its content to byte heaven.

Of course, it never happens when your files are backed up. So by backing up your files, not only do you have a copy of your hard work in case it does happen, but it’s less likely to happen in the first place.

Two good reasons to back up your WordPress database.

These instructions apply to WordPress.com server installations.

Step One: Make sure the Backup plugin is activated.

You only need to do this once.

1. Log into your blog and display the dashboard.
2. Click the Plugins button in the navigation bar.
3. Confirm that the WordPress Database Backup plugin is activated. If it isn’t click the Activate button in its row.
   

Note that if the WordPress Database Backup plugin does not appear in the list, you must install it. You can get it from Skippy.net. We explain how to install plugins on pages 152-153 of our WordPress book.

Step Two: Back It Up

You do this each time you want to back up the database.

1. Log into your blog and display the dashboard.
2. Click the Manage button in the navigation bar.
3. Click the Backup button in the second row of the navigation bar.
4. In the Backup administration panel, turn on all of the check boxes on the right side of the window. Keep in mind that you may have more or fewer check boxes than what is shown here. Select the Download to your computer option at the bottom of the window and click Backup! (If you get an error message here that your backup folder is not writable, you must change the permissions for the wp-content folder on your server so it’s writable. We explain how on pages 120-122 of our WordPress book.)
   
5. Wait while the backup is created. It might take a while if you have a large blog. Don’t close the browser window while the backup is being created!
6. When prompted, save the backup file to your hard disk.

You can automate this process by installing the WP-Cron plugin by Scott Merrill. This plugin, which I use on all of my WordPress blogs, can automatically back up your database nightly and e-mail you a copy of the file.

And since I’ve begun using it, I haven’t had a single need for those backup files!

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