Backup specific parts of your account instead of everything.
Create Targeted Backup
- DirectAdmin → Advanced Features → Create/Restore Backups
- Uncheck all options
- Select only what you need:
- Email only: Check email options
- Databases only: Check database options
- Website files: Select Website Data / Domains Directory. FTP Accounts and FTP Settings do not contain the website files.
- Click Create Backup
Common Scenarios
Email Migration:
- Email Accounts and Email Data
- Email Settings
- Forwarders/Autoresponders
Database Export:
- MySQL Databases
- Database Users
Website Files:
- Website Data / Domains Directory for the files
- Subdomain Lists if you also need the subdomain definitions
Download Backup
- DirectAdmin → File Manager
- Open backups folder
- Download your file
Why Use Targeted Backups
- Smaller file sizes
- Faster creation and download
- Easier to migrate specific services
- Restore only what's broken
Notes
- User-created backups have distinct filenames. Download and retain the copies you need.
- Can't select individual databases/emails
- For full protection, use complete backups too
