Do you back up these WordPress files?

Lots of WordPress users know the importance of making a database backup so they can make a quick recovery if someone hacks into their site, or if the site crashes for some other reason–during a routine WordPress update, perhaps. What is less well known is that there are other very important files on your web server that need backing up as well. We are talking here about .htaccess, index.php, wp-config.php and the files in the wp-content folder.

The wp-content folder contains themes, plugins and uploads associated with your site. Imagine having to gather from scratch all the information in this folder. It would take a long time, or worse: you may find it impossible. Would it not be better to store a backup somewhere safe and accessible, ready to jump to your aid in a crisis?

If you’ve made changes to the .htaccess and index.php files, you’ll want to make backups of them. If you can’t remember making changes to these files, make a backup, anyway. Then you don’t need to worry.

In wp-config.php you will find important information such as database passwords and database usernames. You should only need to back up this important file once, as the information within it should not change.

How do I back up these files?

A search of the Plugin Directory will almost certainly throw up a plugin that does the job for you.

We, however, prefer to copy the relevant files from the server to our computer using a FTP client.

You have an overwhelming number of FTP clients to choose from–both paid and free.

Two very popular free ones are FileZilla and Cyberduck.

After installing the FTP client, you will see how easy it is to download wp-content, .htaccess, index.php and wp-config.php from the web server to your computer.

How often should I back up these files?

If you add new content to your site every day, back up every day. If you add new content to your site once a week, back up once a week. And so on.

Make sure to back up your WordPress database while you’re at it.

Follow the tips above and you can relax knowing that your WordPress website’s vital files are safe. Faced with a website disaster, just retrieve the backup files. They will help bring your site back to life within a few hours.