Hello All,
I am wondering if you have had any luck using Backup Plugins in a Multisite environment?
I am looking for a plugin that will allow each individual blog to be backed up by it's owner complete with Database and Files. Is this even possible???
My reason for this is we are using WPMU to power an ePortfolio site for students. They need to be able to take a snapshot/export of what they have created with them when they graduate.
Are there any good solutions for exporting content and files/docs that may have been uploaded to a blog?
Hello All,
I am wondering if you have had any luck using Backup Plugins in a Multisite environment?
I am looking for a plugin that will allow each individual blog to be backed up by it's owner complete with Database and Files. Is this even possible???
My reason for this is we are using WPMU to power an ePortfolio site for students. They need to be able to take a snapshot/export of what they have created with them when they graduate.
Are there any good solutions for exporting content and files/docs that may have been uploaded to a blog?
Let's say the students were able to backup their database tables and files, the only way they'd be able to easily use them again is to upload them to a WordPress site. For everything to work right, they'd probably need a copy of the theme and plugins too. What sounds easy, just became very complicated.
The easiest way to keep WordPress portable is to use a standard theme, like twentyeleven. When they export their site using the standard WordPress export function, they'll be able to do a full restore to WordPress.com or their own WordPress site. - The trick is getting them to restore their content to a new site while their existing site (on your install) is still up. This is how they'll get their files/graphics from your install to theirs.
I hope this made sense.
If I were teaching the class, I'd send them all an email two weeks before the semester ends. The email would have instructions and a screenshot of how to click "export" on their site, and a link to WordPress.com where they would sign up for a new account and import their site to it. I'd end the email by letting them know they will be receiving a grade for doing this. "A" if you do it. "F" if you don't. - They'll do it. Plus you'll sleep well knowing that you aren't liable for keeping their sites up forever. :)
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25th September 2011 (8 months ago)
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What do you mean with "standard" themes? Are the 133 themes included in the pack available here standard themes?
I think the idea was to use a standard theme that comes with WordPress for everybody. No matter where someone migrates their site, Twenty Ten or Twenty Eleven should be available.
I didn't even think about the issue with backing up a theme. I guess I was hoping for an all-in-one complete backup.
Do you know of a plugin that would export HTML files of the content? No pretty style sheets or themes, just content and files that may have been linked in posts or pages such as word docs or pdfs.
In your first message you said that you were looking for a backup solution for files AND databases. But aren't you rather looking for a static HTML "snapshot" archive of your site (i.e. with no database)? This way the archive could be read offline, burnt on a CD or saved on USB key.
If this is what you're looking for, I don't know any plugin doing that. But this would be a very nice plugin to have in a public multisite environment.
I found this but I don't know how serious is this project: <strike>leonstafford.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/wordpress-static-html-output-plug-in/</strike>
Thanks Lorange. I am looking into that plugin! I think that may be a better approach rather than doing a complete backup. These are for portfolios and the end user may not be able to setup a lamp environment to show the backup.
Responses (15)
Sales & Support Pro — 14th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
Hiya!
There are backup plugins out there that will backup the database and files but none that I've seen will do that on a per-blog basis.
A normal export file using Tools > Export will of course allow give you the option to copy over files as well upon import.
Phil
Member — 23rd September 2011 (8 months ago) #
I'm not sure if Backup Buddy does this - apparently there is a new version just released that claims multisite support.
I haven't got around to testing it yet though, have you or anyone else had any experience with this?
I was surprised that WPMU doesn't have a backup plugin in their repository hint hint ;)
Sales & Support Pro — 23rd September 2011 (8 months ago) #
I haven't used Backup Buddy myself although I have been tempted.
I actually don't think any of the backup plugins do things as well as they could but that's just me :)
Phil
Member — 25th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
Export really works well for this. Here's why:
Let's say the students were able to backup their database tables and files, the only way they'd be able to easily use them again is to upload them to a WordPress site. For everything to work right, they'd probably need a copy of the theme and plugins too. What sounds easy, just became very complicated.
The easiest way to keep WordPress portable is to use a standard theme, like twentyeleven. When they export their site using the standard WordPress export function, they'll be able to do a full restore to WordPress.com or their own WordPress site. - The trick is getting them to restore their content to a new site while their existing site (on your install) is still up. This is how they'll get their files/graphics from your install to theirs.
I hope this made sense.
If I were teaching the class, I'd send them all an email two weeks before the semester ends. The email would have instructions and a screenshot of how to click "export" on their site, and a link to WordPress.com where they would sign up for a new account and import their site to it. I'd end the email by letting them know they will be receiving a grade for doing this. "A" if you do it. "F" if you don't. - They'll do it. Plus you'll sleep well knowing that you aren't liable for keeping their sites up forever. :)
Lifetime member! — 25th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
True, but to make our service appealing we need to offer many themes.
Member — 25th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
What do you mean with "standard" themes? Are the 133 themes included in the pack available here standard themes?
Lifetime member! — 25th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
I think the idea was to use a standard theme that comes with WordPress for everybody. No matter where someone migrates their site, Twenty Ten or Twenty Eleven should be available.
Member — 25th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
@wpcdn Probably not for you, but definitely a great option for kennibc. You're right about the theme.
Member — 26th September 2011 (8 months ago) #
I didn't even think about the issue with backing up a theme. I guess I was hoping for an all-in-one complete backup.
Do you know of a plugin that would export HTML files of the content? No pretty style sheets or themes, just content and files that may have been linked in posts or pages such as word docs or pdfs.
Member — 27th September 2011 (7 months ago) #
In your first message you said that you were looking for a backup solution for files AND databases. But aren't you rather looking for a static HTML "snapshot" archive of your site (i.e. with no database)? This way the archive could be read offline, burnt on a CD or saved on USB key.
If this is what you're looking for, I don't know any plugin doing that. But this would be a very nice plugin to have in a public multisite environment.
Member — 27th September 2011 (7 months ago) #
I found this but I don't know how serious is this project: <strike>leonstafford.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/wordpress-static-html-output-plug-in/</strike>
Sorry here is the direct link: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/static-html-output-plugin/
I hope this helps
Member — 27th September 2011 (7 months ago) #
Thanks Lorange. I am looking into that plugin! I think that may be a better approach rather than doing a complete backup. These are for portfolios and the end user may not be able to setup a lamp environment to show the backup.
Member — 27th September 2011 (7 months ago) #
Please let us know if it works with multisite! :-)
Member — 27th September 2011 (7 months ago) #
It does seem to work but I haven't gotten too deep into it to know how well. It will export a sub-site.
Lifetime member! — 27th September 2011 (7 months ago) #
VaultPress told me today that their multisite plugin will be released "soon".
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