The Akeeba Backup Component is a 3rd party extension that is an invaluable tool for maintaining the security of your website.

While you always want to believe that your site is safe from damage, server failures, bad components and hackers can paint a different picture. It's vitally important to have a backup plan for your site just in case something happens and you need to restore it.

1. Download the component

Download Akeeba Backup from the developer's website.

2. Install the component on your site

(see Installing Joomla Extensions tutorial for instructions)

3. Select Akeeba Backup from the components menu (figure 1).

FIGURE 1: Select Akeeba Backup from the components menu.

4. Backup your site

From the main Akeeba control panel, click the Backup now button to backup your site (figure 2). If your system is not configured properly to store the backup, you may get an error at this point. Check the Akeeba Support Forum for information on how to configure the component properly.

FIGURE 2: Click the Backup button to backup your site.

From the backup screen, click the Backup Now button on the right to start the backup process (figure 3).

FIGURE 3: Click the Backup button on the right to start the backup.

The system will then begin to backup your site. It gives you progress updates throughout the process (figure 4). If you encounter any errors at this point, check the Akeeba Support Forum for assistance.

FIGURE 4: The system gives progress updates through the process.

5. Download the backup file

Once the backup is done, click the "administer backup files" button to download the backed up file (figure 5). It's important to download the file onto your computer. Having the backup on the server will do you no good if something happens to the server. Downloading it to your computer gives you an extra copy.

FIGURE 5: Click "Administer Backup Files" to download your backup.

6. Restoring from your Akeeba Backup

1. Download Kickstart restoration software from the developer's website.
2. Go to your new host and create a database. If your host has a cpanel, this can be done using the database wizard. If you aren't sure how to create a database, please contact your Joomla hosting company.
3. Write down the name, username and password for the new database. You will need it during the restoration process.
4. Upload the two attached files to you new EMPTY hosting space. There cannot be another Joomla install in the hosting space you upload it to. Unpacking the Akeeba file will overright any existing Joomla files.
5. Now to go your URL: www.yourcompanyURL.com/kickstart.php and follow the directions. If your host is not yet set up with your live URL, contact your hosting company to find out the temporary URL you should use to view the site.
6. Tips during restoration:
   1. Note when you put in the database info, they ask for username first, and database name after.
   2. If the system cannot read your database, go back and verify the username and password.
   3. Do NOT enable the ftp feature during the process. Just click next when you get to that screen.
7. Be certain to delete the kickstart.php file and installation directory after restoration is complete.
8. Congratulations, you just restored your site!