All of the main files for your website will be stored on your web hosts servers, which run 24/7 and have various levels of onsite security measures in place. It is important to back up your files as hard drive failures in servers are common, and this could mean that some or all of the updates you make to your website, or even your entire website filing itself could be lost if the worst happens.

When you sign up to a web host it is important to check their server site security and technology policies very carefully, and ensure that they have a good reputation for quality service. Web hosts should back up their servers at least once a week to another hard drive, and preferably one off site just in case the main server site is affect by environmental problems such as fire or flood, or is breached by hackers intent on stealing and corrupting the data the server contains (including customer Internet files).

Back up Your Own Data
It is also important to back up your own copies of your website files including your SQL/database, and you should do this not only to your own computer but also to a remote hard drive as well. This is important just in case something happens to your main system, such as it is stolen, damaged or infected by a virus which renders it non-operational.

If you have backed up your files then you will keep any disruptions to your website to a minimum. You can back up files easily to your computer and remote hard drive through FTP programs, or if you have shell access you can copy the entire HTML directory and download it to your system for saving.

If you are having problems with your website back up files you should contact your web host as soon as possible to ensure they have the latest up to date version in their back up records.