Backups and Restores
Backups help you recover from mistakes, bad configuration changes, or unwanted file changes.
The backup tools available to you may vary by server type and plan. Use the options shown in the Portal for your server.
Before major changes
Section titled “Before major changes”Create a backup before changing mods, files, versions, or important settings. This gives you a safer recovery point if the server does not start or behaves unexpectedly.
Restoring a backup
Section titled “Restoring a backup”Restoring a backup may interrupt the server while files are replaced or settings are recovered. Plan restores during a time when players can be offline.
After a restore, start the server and verify that the expected world, files, and settings are present.
Worked example: backup before a risky change
Section titled “Worked example: backup before a risky change”- Open the server in the Portal.
- Open Backups.
- Create a backup before changing files, mods, or settings.
- Wait until the Portal shows the backup completed.
- Make the change.
- Restart and test the server.
- If the change breaks the server, restore the backup and test again.
What restore replaces
Section titled “What restore replaces”A restore replaces the server data covered by that backup. It may overwrite newer worlds, files, settings, or mod changes made after the backup was created.
Before restoring, download or copy anything you added after the backup if you still need it. If you are unsure what the restore will replace, open a ticket before proceeding.
If restore fails
Section titled “If restore fails”Do not keep making changes to the server while troubleshooting a failed restore. Open a ticket with the server name, backup name or time, restore time, and what the Portal or console displayed.
Good backup habits
Section titled “Good backup habits”- Create a backup before changing versions, mods, plugins, or worlds.
- Give backups clear names when the Portal allows it.
- Check the latest backup time before relying on it.
- Keep your own copies of critical worlds or project files when appropriate.
When to contact support
Section titled “When to contact support”Backups are helpful, but they are not a substitute for contacting support during a major incident. If data appears missing, corrupted, or inconsistent after a restore, open a ticket with the server name, restore time, and what you expected to see.