How to Back Up the Server Data or restore it of Project Zomboid

As a proud owner of a Project Zomboid server with PingPlayers, it's essential to know how to back up your server data. Backing up your data ensures that your saved game states and character progress are safe in case of any issues. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, even if you're not very familiar with server management!

Important Notice

Before making any changes to your server files, always remember to shut down your PingPlayers server. Modifying server files while the server is running could corrupt your server data and lead to problems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Back Up Your Server Data

1. Shut Down Your PingPlayers Server

    

   Log into your PingPlayers account and navigate to your server dashboard. Look for the option to stop or shut down your server.

2. 

3. Connect Through FTP

    

   Once your server is shut down, use the FTP details provided in your server dashboard to connect through an FTP client. If you are unfamiliar with how to use FTP, please refer to the following guide:

   Guide to Using FTP

    

4. Locate Your Save

    

   After connecting to the server, you will see two panels: the left panel shows your local files, and the right panel shows your server files. Navigate to a backup save folder of your choice (you can create one from FileZilla if you're using that) on the left panel, and find the save folder for the game inside the server on the right.

    

5. Download the save data

    

   Inside the "Zomboid\Server\Saves\Multiplayer\servertest" you'll find the save data for your server. Download it to your system to back it up for later.

6. Delete the Contents of the PingPlayer Save Folder

    

   Select all the contents in the save folder on the right panel of your server files and delete them. This step ensures you are replacing the old save data with your backup.

7. Transfer the Backup to the Server

    

Now, drag your backup files from the left panel or select them and click “upload” to transfer them to your server. This process may take a few moments depending on the size of your backup.

8. Restart Your Server

    

Once the backup has been successfully uploaded, go back to your PingPlayers dashboard and restart your server. Once it starts, check if the save is correct. If everything is in place, the backup worked!

Managing Mods

If you're using mods on your Project Zomboid server, ensure that the mods are listed in your server configuration template. You can find the lines labeled "Mods" and "Workshop ID" in your config template within your dashboard. If you're not sure how to add mods, you can read more about it in this guide.

Conclusion

Backing up your Project Zomboid server data is largely a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can quickly secure your progress and save files. Don’t forget to check out the guides linked for additional support!