Introduction
If your website experiences problems after an update, plugin installation, theme change or accidental modification, you may be able to restore it from a previously created backup.
Restoring a backup can help recover:
- Website files
- Database content
- Pages and posts
- Plugins
- Themes
- Website settings
This guide explains how to restore a WordPress backup using WordPress Manager.
Before You Begin
Before restoring a backup, be aware that any changes made after the backup was created may be lost.
This may include:
- New pages
- New posts
- New images
- New comments
- Updated settings
Always confirm that you are restoring the correct backup.
Step 1 – Log Into DirectAdmin
Open your browser and visit: https://cp.yourdomain.co.za
(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open WordPress Manager
From the DirectAdmin dashboard
Click: Extra Features
Then click: WordPress Manager by Softaculous
Step 3 – Locate the Website
Locate the WordPress installation you wish to restore and click on the up-to-date button.
At the bottom is the various options.
Click: Restore
Step 4 – Select a Backup
WordPress Manager will display available backups for the selected website.
Review:
- Backup date
- Backup time
- Website details
Select the backup you wish to restore.
Step 5 – Start the Restore Process
Review the selected backup carefully.
Click: Restore Installation
WordPress Manager will begin restoring:
- Website files
- Database content
- Themes
- Plugins
- WordPress settings
The restoration process may take several minutes.
Step 6 – Wait for the Restore to Complete
Do not close your browser while the restore process is running.
WordPress Manager will display a confirmation message once the restoration has completed successfully.
Step 7 – Test Your Website
Visit your website and confirm that:
- Pages load correctly.
- Images display correctly.
- Menus function properly.
- Contact forms work.
- Plugins operate as expected.
It is recommended that you test both the public website and the WordPress administration area.
Step 8 – Log Into WordPress
Open your browser and visit: https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin
(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your WordPress username and password.
Click: Log In
Confirm that the website content and settings have been restored correctly.
Common Reasons for Restoring a Backup
You may need to restore a backup if:
- A plugin update causes problems.
- A theme update breaks the website.
- Website files are accidentally deleted.
- Malware or security issues affect the website.
- Changes need to be reversed.
Best Practices
Before restoring a backup:
- Verify the backup date.
- Confirm which changes may be lost.
- Create a new backup if possible.
- Test the restored website thoroughly.
Regular backups are one of the most important parts of website maintenance.
Common Problems
No Backups Available
If no backups are displayed, a backup may not have been created previously.
Consider implementing a regular backup strategy to protect your website.
Website Still Has Problems After Restoring
The issue may have existed when the backup was created.
Try restoring an older backup if one is available.
Missing Content After Restore
Content created after the backup date will not be included in the restored version.
Review the backup date before restoring.
Conclusion
Restoring a WordPress backup can quickly recover your website from updates, configuration issues or accidental changes.
Regular backups and testing are essential to ensuring that your website can be restored when needed.
