loss of hosting service

Your host may offer a backup solution for you. If not, You’d need to FTP into your account and manually backup all site files. You’d also need to secure a backup of your database, possibly through your host’s cPanel. When it comes time to host again, simply load it all back in.

dauidus,

I am currently using Hostgator.com and have sent them a request asking if this is possible.

I will post their reply.

Many thanks …

I know HostGator does let you take a backup of your database from the cPanel. You can also set up a FTP user to backup your files.

If I recall, HG does offer to restore a site from backup for around $15. Mention that to them and they may be able to get the files directly to you.

Unless you really don’t like the host, though, it would be much easier/safer/smarter to just renew the account and put the site into maintenance mode (if you don’t want it viewable). Be careful to not lose your domain name.

Good luck.

You can either ask your host to take backup or take backup by your self.
You will have to backup files and database both.

You can read this guide to learn how to backup wordpress manually: https://webtips.in/wordpress-backup

See

https://codex.www.ads-software.com/WordPress_Backups

Wow !! great support guys … thanks for your feedback.

HG has been okay for me the only issue is that it is a choice between leaving my site “Under Construction” for the next 6 months, or dropping the site and reinstating it in 6 months.

dauidus .. I will mention the “restore” option to HG and see what they say.

I will leave this topic open for a day or two in case I get some information that will help another newbie like me in the future.

Thanks again

Just to reiterate – I would go for the ‘maintenance’ option, myself. Older domains generally get some SEO special treatment value. Unless you’re looking to change the domain name, you should most definitely keep it active.

Let me know what HG says about backup/restore (I’d like to know if they’ve changed policy). :0)

hi dauidus … HG reply below …

Hello,

Thank you for contacting HostGator. Unfortunately, we don’t have any way to “suspend” an account. The best course of action if you don’t need the account at this time is to make a complete backup of your files on your server and then process a cancellation request. Once you need to restart your service we can use the backup files to restore your account to the current state. The easiest way to backup the files is to do a complete cPanel backup from cPanel under the Files section.

Then you can request the cancellation at https://secure.hostgator.com/cancel.php

When you need to restart service, you can log into your billing panel at https://gbclient.hostgator.com

Once that has been done, you can have our restore team restore your files here: https://secure.hostgator.com/restore

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via replying to this ticket, online chat or by calling us at 1-866-96-GATOR (866 964-2867). We are more than happy to assist you at any time. Our associates are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Pretty standard, I guess. Anyways, good luck with the backups (keep ’em in 2 places – just in case). ;^)