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Description of my issue: Not having an issue. But have a question.

While I have created websites on Joomla since version 1.0, in the past 10 years I have never had to rely on a back-up. None.

I did have a site get hacked (even in the end - it was questionable as to whether is really was a hack). But rebuilt the site from scratch over a period of days.

But again, knock on wood, I have been spared the majority of the angst.

This has NOT been to my advantage. Because - I have no idea HOW to test back-ups.

I create Back-Ups from my cpanel, and have created back-ups using Akeeba. But have never "TESTED" them.

Question 1 - Are there detailed (for dummies) instructions anywhere on HOW to test back-ups?

Question 2 - Is there any service you can provide (you have probably thought of this) that provides for the validation that the backups work? Meaning - I'd pay some amount to upload my back-up to a service of yours that says "Yeah - your back-up is fine - here's a screen capture."

That's all. Not really brain surgery type stuff. But stuff I need to admit I have no knowledge of.

Thanks!

Paranoia is your friend. :-)

1. To restore your site, you can read the book, or watch the movie!
2. In your backup Configuration, there is a relatively new option, Test archive integrity that you should check. This does a test extraction of your backup archive as part of the backup process. It is important to note that only the archive integrity is tested, not the backup itself. The only way to know if the backup is good is to do a test restore. You can set up a WAMP/MAMP/etc. stack on a local computer and do the restore there.

You do not want your first restore attempt to be on a live server while a live site is down. Restoring the site isn't brain surgery either, but you don't want to add any stress to an urgent restore.

Thanks, Dale.

I watched the movie and I understand it a lot better now.

However - I do have 1 question: Do I have to create a DB on the new WAMP server? Or do I JUST provide the information from the existing DB in the archive?

Generally you need to manually create the empty database. In most cases Akeeba does not have sufficient rights to create the database on its own.

Excellent. Does the DB name/user/pw have to be identical to the one that is archived? (I am guessing not - but don't know)

That should be my last question (famous last words!)

Thanks!

You are correct, they do not have to be the same. The installer will prompt you for the database connection details.

You da man Dale! Thanks!

You're welcome!

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