Restoring a website backup through cPanel File Manager is one of the fastest ways to manually bring your site back online. Whether you’re moving to a new server, recovering from an error, or simply restoring a saved version after making big updates, this method is quick and effective.
All tandohost.co.za Web Hosting plans include full cPanel access, giving you complete control of your site’s files and data. In just a few clicks, you can upload and extract your backup files directly into your hosting account.
Steps: Upload and Restore a Website Backup with cPanel File Manager
- Log in to your tandohost.co.za account. Login - TandoHost
tandohost.co.za Login Page – Upload a Website Backup with File Manager
2. From the menu, click Log in to cPanel.
cPanel File Manager – Web Hosting Selection
3. Locate your hosting package and click Log in to cPanel next to your website’s domain.
Manage Hosting – Website Backup with cPanel File Manager
4. Click the Login button next to Control Panel to open your cPanel dashboard.
5. In the dashboard, scroll down to the Files section and click File Manager.
cPanel File Manager – Access Point
6. Navigate to the correct folder:
- For your primary domain → go to public_html
- For addon domains → open public_html/youraddon.co.za
7. At the top menu, click Upload.
8. Select your backup file (commonly .zip, .tar, or .gz) from your computer and upload it.
9. Once the upload finishes, return to File Manager.
10. Locate the uploaded file, right-click, and choose Extract
11. Confirm the extraction path (use the current directory or specify your domain’s folder).
12. After extraction, your site files will be live in the selected folder.
13. Visit your website to confirm everything loads correctly.
Helpful Notes & Best Practices
File Size Limits
File Manager has upload size restrictions. For large backups, consider using an FTP client or the built-in Backup Wizard in cPanel.
File & Folder Permissions
After extracting, check permissions:
- Files → 644
- Folders → 755
Incorrect permissions may break site functionality.
Avoid Overwriting
Uploading a backup can overwrite current files. Always download any files you want to keep before starting the restore.
Test on Staging
If you’re restoring an older backup or testing, upload it to a subdomain or staging environment to avoid disrupting your live site.
SSL & Redirects
After restoring, verify your SSL certificate and ensure all redirects still work correctly.
Restoring WordPress Backups
If your backup contains a database file (common with WordPress sites), you’ll also need to restore it separately using phpMyAdmin.
- After restoring the database, update your wp-config.php file with your current database details (name, username, password).
- This ensures WordPress connects properly to your restored database.
