Restoring Backups

⚠️ Important Safety Notice

Always test restoration on a staging environment first! Database restoration can overwrite existing data and potentially cause data loss if not performed correctly.

Pre-Restoration Checklist

Essential Preparations

  • ✅ Current Backup: Create a backup of your current database
  • ✅ Staging Environment: Test restoration on non-production site
  • ✅ File Backup: Backup all WordPress files
  • ✅ Documentation: Note current site configuration
  • ✅ Maintenance Mode: Enable WordPress maintenance mode
  • ✅ User Notification: Inform users of planned downtime

System Requirements

  • PHP Memory: Minimum 512MB (1GB recommended)
  • Max Execution Time: 600 seconds (10 minutes)
  • Database Access: Full database privileges
  • File Permissions: Write access to wp-config.php

Restoration Methods

Method 1: phpMyAdmin (Recommended)

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Access phpMyAdmin
    • Log into your hosting control panel
    • Navigate to phpMyAdmin
    • Select your WordPress database
  2. Export Current Database
    • Click “Export” tab
    • Choose “Quick” export method
    • Select “SQL” format
    • Click “Go” to download backup
  3. Drop Existing Tables
    • Select all tables in your database
    • Click “Drop” and confirm
    • Warning: This will delete all current data!
  4. Import Backup File
    • Click “Import” tab
    • Choose your backup file
    • Set character set to utf8mb4
    • Click “Go” to start import
  5. Verify Restoration
    • Check table count matches original
    • Verify sample data is present
    • Test basic functionality

Method 2: MySQL Command Line

Prerequisites

  • SSH access to your server
  • MySQL command line client
  • Backup file accessible on server

Command Line Process

# Connect to MySQL
mysql -u username -p database_name

# Drop all tables (be extremely careful!)
SET FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS = 0;
SHOW TABLES;
# Note all table names, then:
DROP TABLE table1, table2, table3; # (all your tables)
SET FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS = 1;

# Exit MySQL
exit

# Import backup
mysql -u username -p database_name < backup_file.sql

Method 3: WordPress Admin (Limited)

Note: WordPress admin restoration is limited and not recommended for full database restores.

Restoration Process Details

Phase 1: Preparation

  • Database Analysis: Review backup file contents
  • Space Verification: Ensure sufficient database space
  • Permission Check: Verify database user privileges
  • Connection Test: Test database connectivity

Phase 2: Safety Measures

  • Current Backup: Create backup of existing data
  • Maintenance Mode: Prevent user access during restore
  • File Backup: Backup wp-config.php and other critical files
  • User Notification: Inform stakeholders of downtime

Phase 3: Restoration

  • Table Drop: Remove existing database structure
  • Data Import: Import backup file contents
  • Index Rebuild: Recreate database indexes
  • Constraint Verification: Check referential integrity

Phase 4: Verification

  • Data Validation: Verify record counts
  • Functionality Test: Test critical site features
  • Performance Check: Verify site performance
  • Security Review: Check user access and permissions

Troubleshooting Restoration Issues

Common Problems

Import Fails with Memory Error

Symptoms: "Allowed memory size exhausted"

Solutions:

  • Increase PHP memory limit to 1GB
  • Split large backup files
  • Use command line import
  • Contact hosting provider

Import Stops Mid-Process

Symptoms: Process hangs, no completion

Solutions:

  • Increase max execution time
  • Check server resources
  • Verify file integrity
  • Use command line tools

Tables Missing After Import

Symptoms: Incomplete restoration

Solutions:

  • Check backup file completeness
  • Verify import process completion
  • Review error logs
  • Re-run import process

Site Shows Database Error

Symptoms: "Error establishing database connection"

Solutions:

  • Verify database credentials
  • Check database server status
  • Verify database exists
  • Check user privileges

Performance Issues

Slow Restoration

Causes:

  • Large backup file size
  • Server resource limitations
  • Database server performance
  • Network connectivity issues

Solutions:

  • Choose low-traffic times
  • Optimize server settings
  • Use command line tools
  • Consider server upgrades

Post-Restoration Steps

Immediate Actions

  1. Disable Maintenance Mode
  2. Test Site Functionality
  3. Verify User Access
  4. Check Admin Functions
  5. Test Critical Features

Verification Checklist

  • ✅ Homepage Loads: Site displays correctly
  • ✅ Admin Access: WordPress admin accessible
  • ✅ User Login: User authentication works
  • ✅ Content Display: Posts and pages visible
  • ✅ Plugin Functionality: Active plugins working
  • ✅ Theme Display: Site design intact
  • ✅ Database Size: Matches expected size
  • ✅ Table Count: All tables present

Performance Optimization

  • Cache Clearing: Clear all caches
  • Database Optimization: Run optimization queries
  • Index Rebuilding: Rebuild database indexes
  • Performance Testing: Verify site speed

Advanced Restoration Techniques

Partial Restoration

  • Specific Tables: Restore only selected tables
  • Data Only: Restore data without structure
  • Structure Only: Restore structure without data
  • Selective Records: Restore specific data ranges

Multisite Restoration

  • Network Tables: Restore network configuration
  • Site Tables: Restore individual site data
  • User Tables: Restore user accounts
  • Shared Content: Restore common data

Large Database Handling

  • Chunked Import: Import in smaller sections
  • Progress Monitoring: Track import progress
  • Error Recovery: Resume failed imports
  • Resource Management: Optimize memory usage

Security Considerations

Access Control

  • Database Permissions: Limit user privileges
  • File Access: Secure backup file storage
  • Network Security: Restrict database access
  • Audit Logging: Track all restoration activities

Data Protection

  • Encryption: Use encrypted backups (PRO version)
  • Secure Transmission: Encrypt data during transfer
  • Access Logging: Monitor all database access
  • Backup Verification: Verify backup integrity

Best Practices

Before Restoration

  • Test Environment: Always test on staging first
  • Multiple Backups: Keep multiple backup versions
  • Documentation: Document current configuration
  • User Communication: Plan user notification

During Restoration

  • Maintenance Mode: Prevent user access
  • Progress Monitoring: Watch restoration progress
  • Error Handling: Address issues immediately
  • Time Planning: Choose low-traffic periods

After Restoration

  • Thorough Testing: Test all site functionality
  • Performance Verification: Check site speed
  • Security Review: Verify access controls
  • Documentation Update: Update restoration notes

Emergency Procedures

Critical Failures

  • Immediate Rollback: Restore previous backup
  • Contact Support: Get professional assistance
  • User Communication: Inform users of issues
  • Documentation: Record what went wrong

Data Recovery

  • Backup Verification: Check backup integrity
  • Alternative Methods: Try different restoration tools
  • Professional Help: Consider data recovery services
  • Prevention Planning: Plan future safeguards

Support Resources

Getting Help

  • Documentation: Review this guide thoroughly
  • Community Forums: WordPress.org support
  • Professional Support: PRO version priority support
  • Emergency Contact: support@visiontech.consulting

Before Contacting Support

  • Check system requirements
  • Review error messages
  • Test with default settings
  • Check server error logs

Need help with restoration? Check our troubleshooting guide or contact support