This runbook defines how WordPress sites are backed up, restored, and recovered over time.
Backups exist to guarantee recoverability before change, not merely to accumulate backup files. A backup that has not been tested or cannot be restored is not considered valid.
Checklist Objective
Ensure reliable site recoverability so updates, audits, and structural changes can be performed safely and reversibly.
Scope Boundary
This runbook covers:
- WordPress‑level backups
- Backup verification and retention
- Site restoration and recovery procedures
- Post‑recovery validation
This runbook does not cover:
- Server provisioning or OS‑level snapshots
- Infrastructure‑level disaster recovery
- Emergency rollbacks without preparation
Preconditions
- Site is in a stable, known‑good state
- No active troubleshooting is in progress
- Operations 01 — Updates & Change Management is understood and followed
Checklist Steps — Backup Preparation
1. Confirm backup tooling
- Confirm WPvivid is installed and activated
- Confirm WPvivid license is active (if applicable)
- Confirm backup storage destination is accessible
2. Review backup configuration
- Open WPvivid → Settings
- Confirm backup scope includes:
- Database
- WordPress files
- Themes and plugins
- Uploads
- Confirm exclusions are intentional and documented
Checklist Steps — Create Backup
3. Create a manual backup
- Navigate to WPvivid → Manual Backup
- Initiate a full manual backup
- Assign a descriptive backup name indicating purpose and date
4. Verify backup completion
- Confirm the backup completes without errors
- Confirm backup files exist in the configured destination
- Download a local copy when required
Checklist Steps — Recovery & Restore
5. Validate restore capability
- Confirm restore options are visible in WPvivid
- Confirm restore steps are understood before change
6. Perform restoration when required
- Initiate restore from a selected backup
- Follow WPvivid restore prompts carefully
- Avoid partial or interrupted restores
7. Post‑restore validation
- Confirm frontend loads correctly
- Confirm WP‑Admin access
- Confirm plugins and themes are active as expected
- Confirm no warnings or fatal errors appear
Checklist Steps — Recovery Hygiene
8. Document recovery actions
- Record what was restored and why
- Document any issues encountered
- Note follow‑up actions if required
9. Clean up obsolete backups
- Review existing backups periodically
- Remove outdated backups per retention policy
- Avoid excessive accumulation of unused backups
Required Output
- Reliable backup created and verified
- Restore capability confirmed
- Recovery steps understood and documented
- Site remains stable after recovery
Pause & Lock
Backup and recovery readiness is now confirmed. Proceed with updates, audits, or structural changes only after this runbook is satisfied.
Proceed to: Operations 03 — Performance Monitoring & Drift Detection