Simple Backups: The Ultimate Guide to File and Database Backups

Updated at: 25/06/2025

Data loss is a nightmare for individuals and businesses alike. This ultimate guide simplifies the often-daunting process of backing up your files and databases. We'll cover essential backup strategies, choosing the right tools, and implementing effective schedules, ensuring your valuable data remains safe and easily recoverable. Learn how to protect yourself from the devastating effects of hardware failure, cyberattacks, or accidental deletion – all in simple, straightforward steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. File Backup: Server Connection

    • Connect to your server using the automated SSH connection method. Copy and paste the provided command into your terminal.
    • Validate the server connection. The server will appear in your Simple Backups account.
    Validate the server connection. The server will appear in your Simple Backups account. Validate the server connection. The server will appear in your Simple Backups account.
    File Backup: Server Connection

  2. File Backup: Configuration

    • Define your file backup path, exclude any unnecessary files/folders if needed. Name your backup, choose retention policy (e.g., 5 days), and schedule (e.g., daily). Select your storage (Simple Storage or bring your own).
    Define your file backup path, exclude any unnecessary files/folders if needed. Name your backup, choose retention policy (e.g., 5 days), and schedule (e.g., daily). Select your storage (Simple Storage or bring your own).
    File Backup: Configuration

  3. File Backup: Execution and Monitoring

    • Create and run the file backup. Monitor the status indicator for completion.
    Create and run the file backup. Monitor the status indicator for completion.
    File Backup: Execution and Monitoring

  4. File Backup: Restore Information

    • After the file backup is complete, view the restore tab for download links and restoration instructions.
    After the file backup is complete, view the restore tab for download links and restoration instructions.
    File Backup: Restore Information

  5. Database Backup: Server and Credentials

    • For database backup, select 'own server', choose the server you just added, enter database credentials.
    For database backup, select 'own server', choose the server you just added, enter database credentials.
    Database Backup: Server and Credentials

  6. Database Backup: Database Selection and Connection

    • Select your application database and validate the connection.
    Select your application database and validate the connection.
    Database Backup: Database Selection and Connection

  7. Database Backup: Configuration

    • Name your database backup, choose schedule, retention, and storage. Create and run the backup, monitoring the status indicator.
    Name your database backup, choose schedule, retention, and storage. Create and run the backup, monitoring the status indicator.
    Database Backup: Configuration

  8. Database Backup: Restore Information

    • Once complete, go to the restore tab to see automated, PlanetScale, or manual restore options. View logs and select the backup to restore.
    Once complete, go to the restore tab to see automated, PlanetScale, or manual restore options. View logs and select the backup to restore.
    Database Backup: Restore Information
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Tips

  • Utilize the real-time and console output during backup runs for debugging purposes.
  • Consider your retention policy and schedule based on your data's importance and volume.
  • Choose a storage option that best suits your needs and budget. Simple Storage is a proprietary option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Backing Up Regularly

Reason: Inconsistent backups leave you vulnerable to data loss if a disaster strikes between backups. The longer the gap, the more data you could lose.
Solution: Establish a regular backup schedule (daily, weekly, etc.) based on your data's criticality and change frequency.

2. Only Keeping One Backup Copy

Reason: A single backup is susceptible to accidental deletion, corruption, or hardware failure, rendering your data irretrievable.
Solution: Employ the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of your data, on two different media, with one copy offsite.

3. Ignoring Backup Testing

Reason: A backup is useless if you can't restore it. Untested backups might be corrupted or incomplete, leading to restore failures.
Solution: Regularly test your backups by attempting a restore of a sample of your data to a different location.

FAQs

How often should I back up my data?
The frequency depends on how critical your data is and how often it changes. For crucial data, daily backups are recommended. Less critical data might only need weekly or monthly backups. Consider the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy offsite.
What's the difference between a file backup and a database backup?
A file backup copies individual files and folders, like documents and images. A database backup copies an entire database, including its structure and data. You likely need both; file backups for general files, database backups for application data.
What's the best backup software or service?
There's no single 'best' option, as the ideal choice depends on your needs and budget. Popular options include cloud services (e.g., Backblaze, CrashPlan), local backup software (e.g., Carbonite, Acronis), and even built-in operating system features. Consider factors like storage space, cost, ease of use, and security features.