Hi, we all know to save the database but what about the files when we need to migrate our site to a new host.  Also we all know to take at least one full backup of the entire site and more if you can before the migration, but that applies if you are allowed to do your own backups on your cPanel.

What if you cant do your own backup from your Cpanel, then what do you do. Well that means that you will need to either have your host do it (but sadly bad hosts probably wont worry about it if your leaving them) and that means it is up to you to grab the folders and files you need, on a regular basis.  At least 1x a day until the migration.

So with that said and with the full site backup saved and a daily database exported and safely tucked away (every day), what folder/files do we need to save for a condensed version to have the latest data should someone add content or join the site before the migration. 

After my first full backup before a migration i usually just do a condensed version and just grab the following folders.  Some of this is overkill as some of this may not even be necessary or maybe i forgot something, suggestions are welcome on this. 

But here is what i save:

Folders/Files:

1. Any custom special folders/files that are in the root created by site owner

2. Plus the following: 

* means must have for bare bones capture - this means that regardless of anything else you at least need these as a very basic condensed save.

ow_includes *

ow_pluginfiles

ow_plugins *

ow_static

ow_system_plugins

ow_themes *

ow_unittest

ow_userfiles *  (very very important)

ow_utilities

Files:

.htaccess *

php.ini *

robots.txt

I welcome any suggestions, comments and or corrections to this post in the event i have forgotten something. :)

Thanks..