This article explains when to restore individual files versus your entire website, and how to do both.
When to Restore Individual Files
Use individual file restore when:
- A specific page or post has been accidentally deleted or corrupted
- You need to recover a single image or document
- A particular plugin file is causing problems
- You want to undo changes to one specific file without affecting the rest of your site
Individual file restore is faster and won't affect other parts of your website that are working fine.
When to Do a Full Site Restore
Use full site restore when:
- Your entire website is down or showing errors
- Multiple files or database entries are corrupted
- A plugin or theme update has broken your whole site
- You've been hacked and need to restore everything to a clean state
- You're unsure which specific files are causing the problem
Full site restore replaces everything on your website with the backup version. Any changes made since that backup was created will be lost.
How to Restore Individual Files
- Log into your Web60 portal
- Click on "Backups" in the main menu
- Find the backup date you want to restore from
- Click "View Files" next to that backup
- Navigate through the folders to find the specific file you need
- Click the "Restore" button next to that file
- Confirm the restore when prompted
The individual file will be restored within a few minutes. Your website will remain live during this process.
How to Do a Full Site Restore
Before starting a full restore, note that your website will be temporarily unavailable during the process.
- Log into your Web60 portal
- Go to the "Backups" section
- Find the backup date you want to restore to
- Click "Restore Full Site" next to that backup
- Read the warning message carefully - this will replace everything
- Type "CONFIRM" in the text box if you're sure
- Click "Start Full Restore"
The restore process typically takes 10-30 minutes depending on your website size. You'll receive an email when it's complete.
For more detailed information about backup options, see Understanding Automatic Backups.
Important Things to Remember
- Always check the backup date before restoring - you'll lose any changes made after that date
- Individual file restores are safer if you're not sure what's wrong
- Full restores affect your entire website including the database, which stores your posts, pages, and settings
- If you've made recent important changes, consider creating a manual backup before doing any restore
If you're still stuck or unsure which restore method to use, contact Web60 support. We can help you identify the problem and choose the right solution.
FAQ
Q: Will restoring individual files affect my website visitors?
A: No, individual file restores happen in the background and your website stays online throughout the process.
Q: How long does a full site restore take?
A: Most full site restores complete within 10-30 minutes, depending on your website size. You'll get an email notification when it's finished.
Q: Can I restore just my images or just my posts?
A: Yes, you can restore individual image files through the file browser. However, posts are stored in the database, so you'd need a full restore to recover deleted posts.
Q: What happens if I restore the wrong file by mistake?
A: You can immediately restore the correct version from a different backup, or restore the same file from a more recent backup to undo the change.
Q: Will a full restore bring back deleted pages and posts?
A: Yes, a full restore includes the database, which contains all your pages, posts, comments, and website settings from the backup date.
Q: Can I see what files changed before doing a restore?
A: The backup system shows you file dates and sizes, but doesn't highlight specific changes. If you're unsure, start with individual file restore for the files you suspect are problematic.
Q: Do I lose my custom domain settings during a full restore?
A: No, domain connections and DNS settings are managed separately and aren't affected by website restores.
Last updated: 1 March 2026