The Backups feature in Pterodactyl helps you protect your server's data by creating secure snapshots of your files. This is especially useful for safeguarding against data loss, accidental file deletions, or corrupt files caused by unexpected crashes. This guide will take you through the process of creating, managing, and restoring backups.

What Are Backups?

Backups are copies of your server files stored either on the server itself or in external storage (if configured). They allow you to:

• Recover your server to a previous state.

• Create safety points before major updates or changes.

• Safeguard data for long-term reliability.

Accessing the Backups Tab

1. Log In: Visit panel.cptcr.cc and log in.

2. Select Your Server: Click on the server for which you want to manage backups.

3. Open the Backups Tab: In the left-hand menu of the control panel, click Backups.

Creating a Backup

Step 1: Start a New Backup

1. In the Backups tab, click the Create Backup button.

2. Enter a name for the backup (optional, but recommended for easier identification).

Step 2: Customize Your Backup

• Include All Files: By default, all server files are included.

• Exclude Specific Files/Folders:

  • Click the "Exclude Files" option.

  • Enter the names of files or folders you want to exclude from the backup.

  • Example: To exclude the logs folder, enter /logs/.

Step 3: Create the Backup

1. Click the Start Backup button to begin.

2. A progress bar will appear, showing the status of the backup. Once completed, the new backup will be listed in the Backups tab.

Downloading a Backup

To store your backup locally for added security:

1. Locate the backup you want to download from the list.

2. Click the Download button next to the backup.

3. The file will be downloaded to your computer as a .tar.gz file (a compressed archive).

Restoring a Backup

1. In the Backups tab, locate the backup you want to restore.

2. Click the Restore button next to the backup.

3. Confirm the restoration when prompted.

   • Warning: Restoring a backup will overwrite your current server files. Ensure you’ve downloaded any important data beforehand.

4. The server will restart automatically once the restoration is complete.

Automating Backups

You can use the Schedules feature in Pterodactyl to automate backups:

1. Open the Schedules tab.

2. Click Create Schedule and set a name (e.g., "Daily Backup").

3. Define the schedule’s timing using a cron expression (e.g., 0 3 * * * to run daily at 3:00 AM).

4. Add a task:

   • Task Type: Backup.

   • Details: Specify exclusions or additional settings if needed.

5. Save the schedule to automate backups at your desired intervals.

Managing Backup Storage

1. Check Storage Limits: Your hosting plan may have a limit on the number of backups or total storage available.

2. Delete Old Backups:

   • In the Backups tab, locate older backups you no longer need.

   • Click the Delete button to free up space.

3. Use External Storage (If Available): Some hosts offer integration with external storage solutions (e.g., Google Drive, S3). Check with your host for setup instructions.

Troubleshooting

Backup Fails to Complete

• Cause: Insufficient storage space.

  • Solution: Delete unused backups or contact your hosting provider to increase your storage limit.

Backup File Missing

• Cause: Backup storage location is inaccessible.

  • Solution: Verify your external storage connection or check with support.

Server Issues After Restore

• Cause: The backup might be outdated or missing critical files.

  • Solution: Restore a different backup or manually fix missing files if possible.

Best Practices for Using Backups

1. Backup Before Major Changes: Always create a backup before updating plugins, mods, or server configurations.

2. Keep Multiple Backups: Maintain at least 2–3 recent backups to avoid relying on a single snapshot.

3. Store Backups Locally: Download backups periodically to ensure you have access to them in case of server issues.

4. Automate Backups: Use schedules to ensure backups are created regularly without manual effort.

Conclusion

The Backups feature in Pterodactyl is an essential tool for maintaining server data integrity and protecting against unexpected issues. By following this guide, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your server data is safe and easily restorable.

If you encounter any problems or have questions, contact our support team for assistance.