How to back up a Windows VPS
A server can fail, be misconfigured or be attacked. A good backup means that is an inconvenience and not a disaster. Here is a simple way to do it.
Snapshot or backup?
They sound alike but do different jobs.
- A snapshot saves the state of the whole server disk at one moment, so you can roll back to it. It is stored with the hosting provider and is great before a risky change, such as installing new software.
- A backup is a copy of your important data stored somewhere else. It protects you if the server itself is lost, damaged or locked.
Use both. A snapshot is not a replacement for a backup, because it lives close to the server it protects.
Your FOMZE plan includes snapshots: one on Starter, two on Standard, and three on Business and above.
The 3-2-1 rule
A simple rule that works for most people:
- 3 copies of your data
- on 2 different types of storage
- with 1 copy somewhere else
For a VPS that can mean: the live data on the server, a copy on your own PC, and a copy in cloud storage.
What to back up
- your own files, documents and databases
- settings and configuration files for the programs you run
- licence keys and installers you cannot easily get again
You do not need to back up Windows itself. You can install it again, and a snapshot covers the system state.
Ways to copy data off the server
Copy to your own PC Use copy and paste or a shared drive. See how to transfer files.
Cloud storage Install the app for a cloud storage service on the server and choose the folders to sync. Pick a service that keeps old versions of files.
Windows Server Backup Windows Server has a built-in backup feature. Install it from Server Manager, then Add roles and features, then Features, then Windows Server Backup. Back up to another disk or a network location. It needs somewhere else to write the backup, so it works best when paired with cloud or off-server copies.
Schedule it A backup you must remember to make will be forgotten. Use Task Scheduler to run a copy job every night, or use the schedule inside your backup or sync tool.
A simple routine
- Before any big change: take a snapshot.
- Every day: automatic copy of your important files off the server.
- Every month: try to open a backup file to be sure it works.
A backup you have never tested is only a hope.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need backups if I take snapshots?
Yes. Snapshots are good for rolling back changes, but a copy stored off the server protects you if the whole server is lost.
How often should I back up?
As often as you can afford to lose work. Daily is a good starting point for important data.
Are my files backed up automatically?
You are responsible for backing up your own data. Set up your own routine, and ask support if you have questions about snapshots.
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