To prevent data loss caused by accidental deletion of files or server poisoning, we recommend that you use Cloud Backup to back up all directories and files on your Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instance. Cloud Backup allows you to configure flexible backup policies to back up data to the cloud. You can view and restore data at any time. This topic describes the steps required for this scenario.
The following procedure shows how to back up ECS files in the Cloud Backup console.
You are not charged for activating Cloud Backup. You are charged for the Cloud Backup client that you use to back up files and the storage usage of backup vaults. For more information, see Billing methods and billable items.
Back up files from an ECS instance
When you create a backup plan, configure the backup vault, data source, backup cycle, and retention period. After you create the backup plan, Cloud Backup installs a backup client on the source ECS instance. Cloud Backup starts the backup plan and continuously backs up files from the ECS instance.
ImportantIf the region that you select supports backup policies, you can set a backup plan only by associating it with a backup policy. Cloud Backup periodically backs up ECS files based on the backup policy.
To view the regions that support backup policies, click Policy Center in the left-side navigation pane of the Cloud Backup console. For more information about how to create a backup policy, see Create a backup policy.
Backup plans are upgraded to backup policies. If you are using a backup plan of the previous version, you can create a backup policy or bind a backup policy to the backup plan when you edit the backup plan. After the upgrade, the backup history of the previous backup plan still exists. To ensure that you are able to view the backup history, we recommend that you use the same backup vault for the old backup plan and the new backup policy.
Restore files to an ECS instance
If a file is lost or abnormal in the ECS instance, you can restore the file based on historical backup points. You can restore the file to the original ECS instance, a new ECS instance, or an on-premises server.
ImportantIf you restore data to a new ECS instance, you are charged for using a file backup client.
If you restore data to an on-premises server, you are charged for using a file backup client and the outbound Internet traffic.
For more information about the procedure, billing, and benefits of the ECS file backup feature, see Back up files from an ECS instance.
Cloud Backup provides resource plans for various backup scenarios so that you can enjoy higher discounts and minimize your costs. For more information, see Purchase resource plans.