What Is a Server Snapshot?

A snapshot is a saved copy of a server's disk and settings at one moment. If something goes wrong later, such as a failed upgrade or a deleted file, you roll the server back to that moment. It is an undo point for a whole server.

How it works

Instead of copying every file, the storage system usually records the state of the disk and then keeps only the changes made after it. That is why a snapshot can take seconds and use little space at first. Restoring a snapshot puts the server's disk and settings back the way they were, and anything written since is gone.

A snapshot is stored next to the server it was taken from. That makes it fast, but it also means it is not a backup: if the region has a problem, the snapshot shares it.

When to use it

• Before an upgrade, a configuration change or a risky command, so you can undo it in one step.
• On a schedule, so a recent undo point always exists.
• To start a copy of a server, for example a staging copy of production.

When not to use it

• As your only copy of important data. Use scheduled backups, which are copied off-site, or keep your own copy.
• To undo one change in a busy database. Restoring a snapshot rolls back the whole server, including everything written since.

How it works on VeloxaHost

• On demand. Open the server's page, go to Snapshots, enter a name and create it. Snapshots are instant, and they are stored in the same region as the server.
• Automatic snapshots. Choose how often one is taken (hourly, every 6 hours, every 12 hours, daily or weekly) and how long each is kept (1, 3, 7, 14 or 30 days).
• Restore. Rolling back replaces the server's current state for good, so take a fresh snapshot first if you might want to return to it.
• Copy a server. Turn a snapshot into a backup, then restore that backup as a new server.
• Price. Snapshots are not charged. Your plan caps how many an organization can hold: 5 on the trial (Starter) and 30 on Pay as you go.

Snapshots come with every VPS size and are also available through the API.

FAQ

What is the difference between a snapshot and a backup?

A snapshot is an undo point stored next to the server, quick to take and restore. A backup on VeloxaHost is a full copy that is copied off-site and can be downloaded or restored as a new server.

Are snapshots charged on VeloxaHost?

No. Snapshots are not charged; your plan limits how many you can keep.

Does restoring a snapshot delete newer data?

Yes. Restoring replaces the server's current state with the snapshot. Take a snapshot of the current state first if you might need it.

Can I make a new server from a snapshot?

Yes. Turn the snapshot into a backup, then choose Restore as new on that backup.