Sometimes we need to take backups of application database plus file structure and copy & move it to another location to troubleshoot problems or test new features. DotNetNuke does not have built-in backup module yet. Assuming you are using Godaddy for hosting your DotNetNuke portal, i thought about writing a simple tutorial about how to backup dotnetnuke from your hosting control panel.

Before Begin

1. Ensure that you are using one of Godaddy Windows Hosting Plans (Economy Plan does not apply for this tutorial)
2. Install Java Runtime Environment (this will help you to browsing files without the need of installing third party FTP Client)*
3. Install a FTP Client (e.g Mozilla Filezilla)

Here We Go Again

Open Godaddy website and login to your account.
Navigate to Hosting - My Hosting Account page.

Click to Manage Account button for the domain you want to check. Hosting Control Center will be opened in a new window (or tab).


Click to Databases > SQL Server


Click to pencil icon that is located under Action tab. This will let you to view/edit details of selected database.
Find Backup button on the panelbar and hit it. Then click OK button.


Note: Ignore Pending Packup text at the image above. I was just taking a backup at that time.

You may have to overwrite existing backup if Confirm File Override pop-up displays. If you don't want to override existing backup file with newly created one, then you should connect to your ftp account via a FTP Client (this is the first time Filezilla takes action) and rename existing backup file. If you don't have any FTP Client installed then you can use built-in File Manager  (requires JAVA to be installed) from Hosting Control Center.

Optionally rename existing backup file to prevent data loss. (e.g rename  DB_1002731.bak to  Existing_DB_1002731.bak

NOTE: I will add a short video for this step.


Hosting Control Center modules will backup your database and this process will take up to two hours.

After the operation you can find your backup file at db_backups directory at your FTP Account.

NOTE 2: I will also add another video which will be useful to learn entire backup process with Godaddy.