I split these posts off to be a new thread specifically about BACKUPS.
Save a copy of exported HTML locally option -> check or not? - only in Preview?
check the box!never on Publish?
Do not check the box!EVERYONE using CSB 4 or 5 should use that guideline if they have a specific HTML folder (instead of temp int files).
Anyone using CSB 3 can leave it checked at all times.
Save a copy of tlx file on the server option -> do it any time you make a change?
I do not use this option 
I do not store the CAB file (made by CSB 4 & 5 backup option) or TLX design files on my web host.
When you choose for CSB to backup, it extends the publishing in time to upload the cab file.
I choose not to do this and instead use the other methods I mentioned.
But I do have some recommendations:
If you can not burn cd/dvd/usb stick, etc, then at MINIMUM you should save a backup copy of your design file to your host. This will take extra space so not everyone can do it. But it is a great feature for people that can not backup any other way.
- If you let CSB do it for you: the file that is uploaded is a CAB, compressed file. Takes up less space but it does take more time during the publishing process.
- If you FTP your design file to the host: You can control when you do it easier. Takes up more space.
the .cab or .tlx design file on the server would be enough to rebuild the site in case of major crash?NO.
The cab is a compressed copy of a tlx design file. It can only contain the web pages and images specifically uploaded by CSB. This covers MOST things but not everything. I know one CSB user that uploads 200+ images to his website WEEKLY, constantly replacing existing images. Does it ALL OUTSIDE OF CSB. Uses a piece of code to pull the images into CSB rather than putting them directly into his CSB web page. So NONE of his images would be in his .tlx or cab file. If you have uploaded ANYTHING manually, it will not be included in the CSB file. It also does not have any of your server settings (for email, folder protection, etc).
Is it enough to backup (outside PC, pen, CD, etc.) the last .tlx file and the locally saved version, which has been manually renamed (name + data of changes) any time it changes?NO.
You technically need two kinds of backups. Many know of only one. Let me explain.1) Backup your design work. Backup the tlx/cab somewhere on host, cd, dvd, removeable drive, something. Yes everyone knows about this type of backup. You can personally choose to save only ONE or several copies (different dates) for those files. Your choice. When I burn a cd of tlx files, I burn several copies for several websites.
AT MINIMUM you should have a backup made within the last month, or after every MAJOR change to the website. Key here: how far back do you want to go if you have to rebuild? Personal choice based on your sense of safety, how often you update, what type of updates you do...etc.
2) Backup your WEBSITE. What?
Ok.... So you have a backup of your design file at the host. And your computer is running great. Should be enough.
If you ONLY use CSB to build a website, make no extra uploads with FTP or site manager at host, or make changes to htaccess or any other system file then backing up your tlx file to a cd/dvd/stick, etc is enough because you can republish and go forward. But if you do more than that, you need to do more to protect yourself.
SO... What happens if the HOST loses your data? They are running a COMPUTER just like yours. They can have a hard drive fail. They sometimes have to replace equipment. OR if your site is HACKED and someone changes the content of your website or removes things from the site. If it is hacked, you could have a virus/trojan or other nasty put on your website (without your knowledge) and your host could dump your site data to protect the server or other accounts on the server. If someone else on the server is hacked and infects the server, your website data can get damaged/corrupted. If you have images, music, downloadable files, anything uploaded outside of CSB, you could LOSE IT. And all hosts consider it YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make a backup of the website. Remember you are not the only one storing information on that computer! You are on SHARED HOSTING....shared computer.
Some hosts offer good backup options, but take it from someone with experience on this issue...sometimes the backups they have are INCOMPLETE, or older than you expect! Or the host will not allow use of it because it had been hacked and a separate copy is required. So having your own copy of what is at their server is a GREAT thing! Can do it in a compressed version, or not. I do both. Overkill I know). But truthfully, if I had to rebuild Samisite.com or my employer's site from scratch, I would just close both down! TOOOOO MUCH done outside of CSB that saving just the tlx files is only part of my world.
One reason I like to host with TotalChoiceHosting is they offer cPanel which makes backup and restore EASY... No tech support assistance required when you use the PARTIAL options. Also it allows me to backup the forum more often than samisite.com
Admin note: removed text re image problem....moved to other thread
