FileZilla can download a copy of website files to your computer. This is a file backup only; it does not automatically include the live database, mailboxes, DNS configuration or other account settings required for a complete service recovery.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What you need before you begin
Identify every required document root and private application directory. Make enough local disk space and choose a secure destination. For a changing application, coordinate the file copy with a consistent database export or maintenance window.
01 Download a website file backup with FileZilla
- Connect using the authorised secure protocol and choose a new dated local backup folder.
- Navigate the remote side to the intended website directory. Include hidden configuration files when the server listing and your permissions allow them, and avoid accidental filename filters.
- Select the required files and directories and choose Download. Keep the direction clear so you do not upload an old local copy instead.
- Wait for the queue to finish, inspect Failed transfers and retry only after addressing their errors. Record skipped or inaccessible paths.
- Export the corresponding database separately and save the application version and required configuration information with the backup.
02 Example: keep a useful file-backup manifest
Alongside a dated FileZilla download, keep a short record of what was captured. Use the real values from your transfer, and keep the backup and manifest in a private location.
| Record | Example |
|---|---|
| Website and source | example.com, its confirmed document root and any required private application paths |
| Transfer result | Completion time, failed/skipped files, and how each failure was resolved |
| Matching data | The separately exported database backup and its capture time |
| Recovery evidence | Date of an isolated restore and the page, image and application workflow tested |
A zero-length failed-transfer list proves only what the client attempted to copy. It does not prove that excluded directories, databases or files outside the account's permissions were included.
Check the backup or recovered data
Compare file counts and representative sizes, and open selected downloaded files. Test restoration in an isolated environment for an important migration or recovery plan.
Is a completed FileZilla download a consistent full application backup?
If the server changes while downloading, the copy may contain files from different moments. Use a supported snapshot or application backup process when consistency matters. Never assume a successful transfer queue proves the database or every hidden file was included, and do not store an unencrypted sensitive backup on a shared computer.