How to create a DirectAdmin SYSTEM Backup

This checklist uses DirectAdmin to create and schedule a server‑level VPS system backup after infrastructure preparation is complete and before any applications are installed. This backup captures system configuration files and components not covered by DirectAdmin admin or user backups.

This is a safety checkpoint that establishes a rollback point for the application‑ready state of the server.

When to perform this task

• Platform Readiness is complete
• The Account Domain has been fully configured and verified
• Softaculous has been installed and configured
• No applications have been installed

Understand backup scope

• This is a system‑level backup of the VPS
• It is separate from DirectAdmin admin or user backups
• It captures additional configuration files not included in DirectAdmin backups
• Restore is not a one‑click process

Configure system backup schedule

1. Log in to the DirectAdmin control panel as admin.
2. Navigate to Admin → Admin Backup/Transfer or the provider‑specific system backup interface.
3. Locate the system backup configuration section.
4. Set a basic schedule:
   • Day of Month: *
   • Month: *
   • Day of Week: 0 (Sunday) or * for daily
5. Save the backup configuration.

Run the initial system backup

1. From the backup interface, click Run System Backup.
2. Remain on the page while the backup is running.
3. Do not reboot the server during this process.
4. If a blue progress message is displayed, continue waiting.

The initial system backup may take approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. The interface refreshes automatically.

Post‑backup verification

1. Confirm the backup process completes without interruption.
2. Review any status or completion messages.
3. If no explicit completion message appears, verify the backup timestamp or log entry.

Operational notes

• This backup represents a clean, application‑ready baseline.
• Do not repeat this step for every Additional Domain.
• Create additional system backups only before introducing major application‑level changes.

Next Steps

Depending on what brought you here, you can easily return to that exact area on the page. Just, click any of these specific areas or checklist sections you recognize that led you here.

• Complete Setup Guide: Return to section “Create a System Backup” and continue after Create a System Backup….
• Proceed to application‑level setup at WordPressSoftaculous.com.
• Add an Additional Domain to DirectAdmin VPS.
• Or review Maintenance & Operations guides to begin routine server upkeep.