Most of the time, when your WordPress site goes down, you end up searching for an efficient and reliable way to restore the database. But most people don’t know how to do it. Actually, when you have such an issue because your WordPress site has become damaged or can’t be accessed, you can restore it back to a previous date to reinstall everything. So, if you need to go back in time to your WordPress site for a backup, this article is for you. We will show you how to restore your WordPress site to a previous date to bring the previous version back.
Why Restoring WordPress To A Previous Date Is Better Than Manual Restore?
When it comes to restoring data or fixing technical issues, people often resort to manual restoration. However, restoring to a previous date has numerous benefits over manual restoration and is often the preferred method. Here are a few reasons why restoring to an earlier date is better than manual restore:
1. Ease of Use
Restoring to a previous date is often a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few clicks. The operating system or software in use usually has a built-in feature for restoring to a previous date, making it easy for even non-technical users to access. On the other hand, manual restoration often requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming and complicated.
2. Safety
WordPress restoring to a previous date is a safe and secure process, as it does not involve making any changes to the current system or data. The previous date is chosen based on the time when the system was functioning correctly, ensuring that no important data is lost. In contrast, manual restoration can sometimes result in loss of data or further corruption of the system if the wrong steps are taken.
3. System Integrity
Using a restore point to restore to a previous date can help maintain the integrity of the system. This is because it rolls back to a point in time when the system was functioning correctly, ensuring that all settings and configurations are restored to their original state. This can help resolve any issues that may have arisen due to recent changes or updates.
4. Saves Time
In most cases, restoring to a previous date can be a quick process and can save time compared to manual restoration. This is because manual restoration often requires technical expertise, and the process can be time-consuming and complex.
How To Restore Your WordPress Website To A Previous Date
You may need to restore your WordPress site to a previous date due to a hacking attack, a plugin malfunction, or just a mistake made during the site’s development. Whatever the reason, restoring your WordPress site to a previous date is a simple process that can be done in a few steps.
1. Backup Your Current Site
Before restoring your site, it’s crucial to back up your current site’s files and database. This will ensure that you have a copy of your existing site in case something goes wrong during the restore process.
Choose a Backup Method
The first step in backing up your WordPress site is to choose a backup method. There are several methods to choose from, including manual backup, using a plugin, or using a backup service.
- Manual backup involves downloading a copy of your site’s files and database to your computer. This method is time-consuming, but it is also the most comprehensive backup method.
- Using a plugin is a quick and easy way to back up your site. There are many backup plugins available for WordPress, including UpdraftPlus and VaultPress. These plugins automate the backup process and can even schedule backups to occur at specific times.
- Using a backup service is another option for backing up your site. These services offer automatic backups, as well as the ability to restore your site in the event of a problem. Some popular backup services include BackupBuddy and BlogVault.
Backup Your Files
The next step in backing up your WordPress site is to back up your files. This includes your themes, plugins, images, and other media files. To back up your files, you can use an FTP client, such as FileZilla, to download a copy of your site’s files to your computer.
Backup Your Database
The final step in backing up your WordPress site is to back up your database. Your database contains all of your site’s content, including posts, pages, comments, and settings. To back up your database, you can use the export feature in your WordPress dashboard. Simply log into your WordPress dashboard, go to the ‘Tools’ section, and select ‘Export.’
Store Your Backup Safely
Once you have backed up your WordPress site, it is essential to store your backup in a safe place. This could be on your computer, a backup drive, or in the cloud. Storing your backup in multiple locations is recommended, as it provides an extra layer of protection for your site’s data.
Test Your Backup
Finally, it is important to test your backup to ensure that it works. This involves restoring your site from your backup and checking to make sure that everything is working properly. By testing your backup, you can be confident that you will be able to restore your site in the event of a problem.
2. Choose a Restore Point
Next, you will need to choose the date you want to restore your site. This can be done through your web host’s control panel or through a backup plugin, such as UpdraftPlus or VaultPress.
Determine the Problem
The first step in choosing a restore point is to determine the problem. What caused the issue with your site? Was it due to a recent update, a plugin malfunction, or a hacking attack? Knowing the cause of the problem will help you determine the best restore point to use.
Check Your Backup Frequency
The next step is to check your backup frequency. How often do you back up your site? If you back up your site daily, you will have more restore points to choose from than if you back up your site weekly or monthly. The more restore points you have, the easier it will be to choose the right one.
Consider the Scope of the Problem
Another factor to consider is the scope of the problem. If the problem is only with a single post or page, a recent restore point may be all that’s needed. However, if the problem is more widespread, you may need to go back further in time to find a restore point that will solve the issue.
3. Review Restore Points
Once you have determined the problem and the scope of the issue, it’s time to review your restore points. Your backup service or plugin will likely have a list of available restore points, along with the date and time they were created. Review this list and choose the restore point that best matches your needs.
Restore Your Site
Once you have selected the restore point, you can then restore your site. This process will overwrite your current site with the site from the selected restore point.
Test the Restore Point
Before you restore your site to a specific restore point, it’s a good idea to test it first. You can do this by restoring the site to the chosen restore point on a test server or a local installation of WordPress. This will give you the opportunity to see what the site will look like after the restore and make any necessary changes before restoring the site to the live server.
Make the Final Restore
Once you have chosen the restore point and tested it, it’s time to restore your site. Depending on your backup method, this may involve uploading the backup files to your server, using a restore feature in your WordPress dashboard, or contacting your hosting provider for assistance.
4. Check Your Site
After the restore process is complete, you should check your site to ensure everything is working properly. This includes checking your pages, posts, and images to ensure that they have been restored correctly.
Check the Front-End
The first step is to check the front end of your site. Make sure that your site is loading properly and that all of the content, images, and other elements are appearing correctly. Pay special attention to any areas that were affected by the problem that prompted the restoration.
Check Your Plugins
Next, check your plugins. Go to the ‘Plugins’ section of your WordPress dashboard and make sure that all of your plugins are activated and working properly. If any plugins were causing problems before the restore, deactivate them and recheck your site.
Check Your Themes
Go to the ‘Appearance’ section of your WordPress dashboard and make sure that your active theme is working properly. Check the layout, color scheme, and other elements of your site to make sure that everything is looking the way it should.
Check Your Widgets
Check the widgets on your site. Go to the ‘Appearance’ section of your WordPress dashboard, and select ‘Widgets’. Make sure that your widgets appear in the correct locations and that they are working properly.
Check the Media Library
Select the ‘Media’ section of your WordPress dashboard and check your media library. Make sure that all of your images and other media files are present and that they are working correctly. If any images or files are missing, restore them from a backup or upload them again.
Check Your Pages and Posts
Look at the ‘Posts’ and ‘Pages’ sections of your WordPress dashboard and check your content. Make sure that all of your pages and posts are present and that the content is correct. If any content is missing or incorrect, restore it from a backup or update it as needed.
Check Your Menus
Go to the ‘Appearance’ section of your WordPress dashboard and select ‘Menus’. Make sure that your menus are correct and that all the links are working properly. If any links are broken, update them or create new links as needed.
Check the Settings
Find the ‘Settings’ section of your WordPress dashboard and check your site settings. Make sure that your site title, tagline, time zone, and other settings are correct. If any settings are incorrect, update them as needed.
Check Your Users
Choose the ‘Users’ section of your WordPress dashboard and check your users. Make sure that all of your users are present and that their roles and permissions are correct. If any users are missing or have incorrect roles or permissions, restore them from a backup or add them again.
Using A Backup Plugin To Restore To A Previous Date
It’s good to know, restoring your WordPress site to a previous date using a backup plugin is a quick process that can be done in a matter of minutes. By choosing a reliable backup plugin, creating a backup, and restoring your site to a previous date, you can protect your site against data loss and other problems. Remember to back up your site regularly to ensure that you have a recent restore point available in the event of a problem. Now, let’s see the process of restoring using a backup plugin:
Choose a Backup Plugin
The first step is to choose a backup plugin. There are many backup plugins available for WordPress, including UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, and VaultPress. Choose a plugin that is easy to use, reliable, and has excellent support.
Install the Backup Plugin
Once you have chosen a backup plugin, install it on your WordPress site. You can do this by going to the ‘Plugins’ section of your WordPress dashboard and clicking on ‘Add New.’ Search for the plugin you have chosen, and then click ‘Install Now’ and ‘Activate.’
Create a Backup
Once you have installed the backup plugin, create a backup of your site. This is done by going to the backup plugin’s settings page and clicking on the ‘Backup Now button. Wait for the backup to complete, and make sure that you have a copy of the backup file stored on your computer or a remote location.
Restore Your Site
To restore your site to a previous date, go to the backup plugin’s settings page and select the restore option. Choose the backup file that you want to restore and select the date that you want to restore your site to. Follow the steps outlined by the plugin to restore your site to the previous date.
Make Sure Everything Is Right
Once the restore process is complete, check your site to ensure everything is working properly. Explore your site’s front end and make sure that every element is appearing correctly. Then, go to your WordPress dashboard and check your plugins, themes, widgets, and settings to ensure everything is also alright here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Restore My WordPress To A Previous Date From The Cloud?
Yes, it is possible to restore your WordPress site to a previous date from the cloud. Many backup plugins allow you to store your backups in the cloud, such as Google Drive, Amazon S3, or Dropbox. You can then restore your site to a previous date by selecting the backup file stored in the cloud and following the restore process provided by the plugin. It’s important to regularly back up your site and store it in the cloud to ensure that you have a recent restore point available.
How To Restore My WordPress Site To the Previous Version?
To restore your WordPress site to a previous version, you will need to use a backup of your site from that version. The process of restoring your site depends on the backup plugin you are using. Typically, you will go to the backup plugin’s settings page, select the backup file from the previous version, and follow the steps to restore your site. It’s important to regularly back up your site and keep multiple versions to ensure that you can quickly restore your site to a previous version if necessary.
How Can I Restore WordPress To A Previous Date On A New Server?
To restore a WordPress site to a previous date on a new server, you will need to transfer your backup file to the new server and then follow the steps to restore your site. You can transfer the backup file using FTP or a file manager in your hosting control panel. Once the backup file is on the new server, you will use your backup plugin to restore your site to a previous date. It is vital to make sure that the new server has the same specifications as your old server to ensure a successful restore.
Conclusion
There you have it. That’s how you can restore your WordPress site to a previous date, but at the end of the day, your best bet is to regularly back up your website and keep track of any changes you make. A good backup strategy can save you more time, money, and effort than anything else.