---
title: "Taking Manual Backups in Interworx Web Panel"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/control-panel/interworx/nodeworx/backup-and-restore/taking-manual-backups-in-interworx-web-panel/"
description: "Regular backups are vital, but manual backups are essential before system changes. In InterWorx Web Panel (SiteWorx), initiate manual backups via the domain use…"
vertical: "Hosting"
date: "2024-03-04"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Taking Manual Backups in Interworx Web Panel

## Introduction

Automated backups are essential, but they run on a schedule. If you are about to update your website, install a new plugin, or make code changes, you need a backup *right now*. Taking a manual backup in **SiteWorx** gives you an immediate safety net. This guide will show you how to create an instant manual backup of your account so you can make changes with confidence.

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## Prerequisites

- A server with **InterWorx** installed, OR
- A Nexcess plan that offers **NodeWorx** access.
- A login for your **SiteWorx** account.

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## Step-by-Step Instructions

Regularly scheduled backups are an important part of a good backup plan (see [Best Practices: Developing a BackUp Plan](https://docs.nexcess.com/hosting/server-administration/server-backup-and-restore/best-practices-developing-a-backup-plan/)). However, sometimes you want to take a manual backup, especially before making a system change that could potentially cause stability issues for your domain. You can run manual backups in InterWorx Web Panel (SiteWorx) using the domain user control panel.

1. **Log in** to your **SiteWorx** account. For help with logging in, see [Logging into InterWorx Web Panel](https://www.liquidweb.com/help-docs/Logging-into-Interworx-Web-Panel)).
2. In the left-hand navigation menu, click **Backups**, then click **Backup Now**.
3. Select your **Backup Type**: 
    - **Full:** Backs up everything (Web files, Databases, and Email). **(Recommended)**.
    - **Partial:** Allows you to select specific options (e.g., only the Home Directory or only MySQL Databases).
    - **Structure-Only:** Backs up account settings/structure but *no data*.
4. Choose the **Backup Location**. (The default is usually `/home/[username]/`).
5. Click **Continue**.
6. Enter an **email address** to receive a notification when the backup finishes.
7. **Optional:** In the **Exclude Files** section, you can prevent specific file types from being backed up.

Save Space by Excluding Files

If you already have large, old backups stored in your folder (like old `.zip` or `.tar.gz` files), exclude them here to prevent your new backup from becoming too large.

8. Click **Backup** to start the process.

### Manage Existing Backups (Download or Delete)

Once your backup is complete, it will appear in the **Backups Management** list.

- **To Download:** Click directly on the **filename** of the backup to download it to your local computer.
- **To Delete:** Click the **Delete** button next to an old backup to remove it and free up server space.