Movable Type backups

If you have a blog that uses MT, read this.
Up until recently, I made periodic backups using the MT export function. After being offered the opportunity to move to a faster, less heavily loaded server, however, I started looking into what transferring the blog -- and by extension, doing a full backup and restore -- would entail. A search through the MT forum archives suggested that a backup from the exported text files I had made wouldn't be enough. Apparently the restored blog will have its archive names changed, screwing up links both internal and external. The consensus there and elsewhere was that the only proper backup was a direct backup of the underlying database.

I would strongly suggest that bloggers using MT take the extra step of arranging for regular DB backups. Your hosting service may be able to provide the necessary scripts, and to set them up to run automatically at fixed intervals. For anyone using a MySQL database on a Unix server, here is a handy script that facilitates regular manual backups. Others may be found by Googling "MySQL database backup scripts".

PS If you find the Unix/MySQL script referenced above useful, I have added a few improvements that I will share on request.

Posted by David on August 8, 2003 9:49 AM