Backups
Restoring a WordPress backup: step-by-step plan for emergencies
27 July 2024 · 7 min read
Restoring a WordPress backup is one of the most stressful moments for a website owner. But with a good plan and the right preparation, the recovery goes smoothly. In this article we give a step-by-step plan for different scenarios.
At WP Maintainer we regularly restore backups for our clients. We know what can go wrong and how to prevent it.
Scenario 1: Complete recovery after hack
**Step 1: Isolate the website** - Put the website in maintenance mode - Change all passwords (WordPress, hosting, database, FTP)
**Step 2: Analyse the damage** - Check logs to identify the attack channel - Note which files have been modified - Determine which backup is clean
**Step 3: Restore files** - Remove ALL files from the hacked website - Upload clean files from the backup - Or: reinstall WordPress and only restore themes, plugins and uploads
**Step 4: Restore the database** - Import the clean database - Check for suspicious users - Reset all passwords
**Step 5: Strengthen security** - Update everything to the latest version - Install a firewall - Implement 2FA - Close the security holes that made the hack possible
**Step 6: Test** - Check ALL pages and functionalities - Test forms - Check that no malware is left behind
Scenario 2: Accidentally deleted content
If only content (page, post, product) has been deleted: 1. Restore the database from the most recent backup on a staging environment 2. Export the missing content (via WordPress export or phpMyAdmin) 3. Import on the live website 4. Check whether internal links still work
Scenario 3: Revert a bad update
If an update causes problems: 1. First make a backup of the current state (for analysis) 2. Restore files from the previous backup 3. Downgrade the database if necessary 4. Test whether everything works 5. Wait with the update until the plugin developer has a fix
Tools for recovery
Prevention is better than cure
After a recovery it is essential to learn: - How did the problem arise? - Which preventive measures could have prevented this? - Is the backup policy still adequate? - Are there weaknesses in the security policy?
WP Maintainer recovery service
In an emergency we are available 24/7. We restore your website quickly and professionally, analyse the cause and implement measures to prevent recurrence. With our maintenance plan you always have a recent, tested backup.