Steps to Recover Deleted cPanel Files: A Comprehensive Guide

Accidentally deleting files in cPanel can be a major headache, but there are several steps you can take to try to recover them. This guide provides a detailed process to help you recover your files from backups or other sources.

Did You Accidentally Delete Files in cPanel?

Often, when web hosts use cPanel, the files are automatically backed up. Here are the steps you should follow to try to recover your deleted files:

Check Backups

The first step to recover your missing files is to check your backups. cPanel and your web host may provide backup features that can help you restore your files.

cPanel Backups

Many hosting providers perform regular backups of your account.

Log into your cPanel account. Locate the backup feature. This could be under a settings or security section. Check if your hosting provider offers backups and select the most recent backup where the file still existed. Follow the instructions to restore the files from that backup.

Local Backups

If you have downloaded backups of your website or specific files, check your local storage or external drives.

Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you are unable to find your files locally, reach out to your hosting provider's support team. They may have server backups that you do not have direct access to.

Provide Detailed Information

When contacting support, provide the following details:

The specific files you need to recover. The date and time of the deletion. Any related error messages.

Use File Recovery Tools

If you have SSH or FTP access to the server, you can attempt to use file recovery software. However, this is usually more effective on local machines than on servers, as server file systems may not support recovery operations.

Check for Cached Versions

If the files were part of a website, you may be able to find cached versions using services like the Wayback Machine or Google Cache.

Create the Files Again

If all recovery options fail, you may need to recreate the lost files. This could involve rewriting code, re-uploading content, or retrieving data from other sources like databases.

Implement a Backup Strategy

To prevent future data loss, consider implementing a regular backup strategy. Many cPanel setups allow for automated backups. Set up your automated backups and verify that they are running correctly.

For a detailed process to recover files from a backup:

Log in to cPanel. Locate Files Backups. Look for the Backup section. Select the most recent backup where the file still existed. Download the backup file (likely a .tar.gz file) Unzip the file and then unzip it again.

With these steps, you should be able to recover your deleted files and avoid future data loss.