---
title: "Site backups"
slug: "site-backup"
tags: ["Site Administrator", "Explainer", "Totara Platform"]
updated: 2026-08-13T15:59:33Z
published: 2026-08-13T15:59:33Z
canonical: "totara.help/site-backup"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://totara.help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Site backups

A site backup allows a Site Administrator to save everything associated with a Totara site. These backups can be restored to bring a site back to the point in time when the backup was made.

Performing regular backups is highly recommended to reduce the amount of lost information in the event of a problem on the site, and to speed up the overall recovery process.

## **What to back up**

A Totara system comprises three parts:

1. The data stored in the database e.g. a MySQL database
2. The uploaded files, e.g. site and course files uploaded via Totara located in moodledata
3. The **Totara code**, e.g. everything in **/server/htdocs/totara**

You can confirm where each of these is located in a Totara installation by checking the **config.php** file.

**$CFG->dbname** shows the database **name$CFG->prefix** shows the database table name, **prefix$CFG->dataroot** controls where the uploaded files are stored, and **$CFG->wwwroot** points to where the code is stored.

Generally speaking, the database ("dbname and prefix") and the uploaded files (dataroot) are the two most important to copy on a regular basis. These contain information that will change most often.

The Totara code (wwwroot) is less important as a frequent backup, since it will only change when the the actual code is changed through upgrades, add-ins, and code tweaks. You can always get a copy of the standard Totara code from Totara, so you only have to back up the parts you added or changed yourself.

## Next step

- [Create a backup of your Totara site](/totara-20/docs/create-a-back-up-of-your-totara-site)

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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