The File and Directory Restoration feature in cPanel allows you to recover deleted or overwritten files from your hosting account's backup system. This tool accesses local backup sources and lets you browse or search for specific files to restore, making it easy to recover accidentally deleted content without contacting support.
To use this feature, your hosting provider must enable automatic backups on the server. The restoration process works with local backups only and will restore deleted files or overwrite existing ones with backup versions.
What You Need to Know Before Restoring Files
Before using the File and Directory Restoration tool, keep these important points in mind:
- This feature only works with local backup files stored on your server. If your backups are stored remotely, you must transfer them to the local server first
- You cannot restore the .cpanel and mail directories using this tool. These require a full account restoration
- The restoration process will overwrite existing files with the same name from the backup
- Your hosting provider must have enabled backup features in the server configuration
How to Restore Files Using a Direct Path
If you know the exact location of the file or directory you want to restore, you can enter the path directly:
- In the Files and Directories section, select "Enter a path"
- Type the path to your file or directory. The path starts from your home directory, so enter "public_html" to access /home/username/public_html
- Click "Show Backups" to display available backup versions
- In the Backups section, select the backup date you want to restore
- Click "Restore" and confirm your choice when prompted
The system will display a success or failure message once the restoration completes.
How to Browse and Restore Files
If you prefer to browse through your directories to find files, follow these steps:
- Select "Browse files and directories" in the Files and Directories section
- Navigate through your directory structure by clicking folder names
- Click on a file or directory to see available backups
- Review the backup dates in the Backups section
- Select the backup you want and click "Restore"
- Confirm the restoration when prompted
This method lets you explore your directory structure visually, making it easier to find files when you're not sure of the exact path.
Understanding Backup Dates and Versions
The Backups section displays multiple versions of your files based on when backups were created. Each backup shows the date it was taken, allowing you to choose the specific version you need. Older backups may eventually be removed based on your hosting provider's backup retention policy.
OBHost maintains regular backups of your hosting account, giving you multiple restore points to choose from. The number of available backups depends on your hosting plan and backup schedule.
Common Restoration Scenarios
Here are typical situations where file restoration proves useful:
- Accidentally deleted files or folders from your website
- Overwrote important files with incorrect versions
- Need to recover older versions of files for reference
- Restored a working version after a failed update or modification
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the File and Directory Restoration feature appear in my cPanel?
This feature only appears when your hosting provider has enabled it in the server configuration. Contact your hosting provider to confirm that backup features are activated for your account. If you're an OBHost customer, backups are included with most hosting plans.
Can I restore email files using this tool?
No, the File and Directory Restoration interface cannot restore the mail directory where email files are stored. To restore email data, you need to perform a full account backup restoration or contact your hosting provider for assistance.
What happens to existing files when I restore from backup?
The restoration process will overwrite existing files that have the same name as the backup files. If a file was deleted, the restoration will recreate it. Make sure you want to replace current files before confirming the restoration.
How far back can I restore files?
The available backup history depends on your hosting provider's backup retention policy. Most providers keep backups for several weeks, but this varies by plan and configuration. Check with your provider to understand your specific backup retention period.
If you need assistance with file restoration or have questions about your backup schedule, the OBHost support team is available 24/7. Visit our contact page or email support@obhost.org for help.
