# How to Set Up Automatic Backups for Your Arma Reforger Server (/docs/arma-reforger/automatic-backups)











import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';

Regular backups protect your server from data loss caused by corruption, bad updates, or accidental changes. The XGamingServer panel has a built-in backup system with both manual and scheduled options.

Manual Backups [#manual-backups]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Backups page [#open-the-backups-page]

    In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), click **Backups** in the sidebar.

        <img alt="Backups page" src={__img0} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Create a backup [#create-a-backup]

    Click **Create Backup**. Optionally set a name and select files/directories to exclude. Click **Start Backup**.

        <img alt="Backups page with backup" src={__img1} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Wait for completion [#wait-for-completion]

    Backup progress appears in the table. When complete, you can download, restore, or lock it from the three-dot menu.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Scheduled Backups [#scheduled-backups]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open Schedules [#open-schedules]

    Click **Schedules** in the sidebar.

        <img alt="Schedules page" src={__img2} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Create a schedule [#create-a-schedule]

    Click **New Schedule**. Set a name and cron schedule (e.g., every 6 hours).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Add a backup task [#add-a-backup-task]

    Inside the schedule, add a **Create Backup** task. The schedule will now run automatic backups on the interval you defined.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Save and activate [#save-and-activate]

    Save the schedule and ensure it's set to **Active**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

What Gets Backed Up [#what-gets-backed-up]

| Data          | Included | Notes                                                    |
| ------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| `config.json` | Yes      | All server config                                        |
| Save data     | Yes      | Mission progress, world state                            |
| Mod list      | Yes      | The list (mods themselves auto-redownload from Workshop) |
| Player data   | Yes      | Identity-linked progress                                 |

Best Practices [#best-practices]

| Practice                         | When                                                            |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Manual backup before changes** | Before updates, mod changes, major config edits                 |
| **Test restore periodically**    | Confirms backups work — don't wait for an emergency to find out |
| **Schedule during low activity** | Minimize brief I/O impact                                       |
| **Lock important backups**       | Prevents accidental deletion when retention limit hits          |
| **Review retention**             | Old backups auto-delete when the limit is reached               |

Restoring from a Backup [#restoring-from-a-backup]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Stop the server [#stop-the-server]

    Go to **Console** and stop your server.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open Backups [#open-backups]

    Click **Backups** in the sidebar and find the backup you want to restore.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Restore [#restore]

    Click the three-dot menu and select **Restore**. Optionally check **Delete all files before restoring** for a clean restore.

        <img alt="Backups with restore option" src={__img3} placeholder="blur" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Start the server [#start-the-server]

    Start from **Console** and verify the server loads correctly.
  </Step>
</Steps>

> **Warning:** Restoring overwrites current server files. Any changes since the backup will be lost. Create a fresh backup of the current state first if you might need it.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

* [Wipe & Reinstall](/docs/arma-reforger/wipe-reinstall)
* [Upload a Save](/docs/arma-reforger/upload-save)
* [Server Configuration](/docs/arma-reforger/server-config)