How to Create a Backup of Your GTA San Andreas Server ​
Regular backups of your GTA San Andreas server protect you from data loss — whether due to a failed update, a broken script or an accidentally overwritten configuration.
When should you create a backup? ​
- Before switching between SA-MP and open.mp
- Before installing a new gamemode or a new script version
- Before installing or updating plugins
- Before major changes to
server.cfgorconfig.json - At regular intervals so you always have a safe state to return to
Create a backup ​
You can find the exact process for creating, managing and restoring a backup in the general guide: Create Backup.
What should be backed up ​
SA-MP and open.mp have no world save. There is no stored world and no savegame file — everything persistent is created by your gamemode alone. A meaningful backup therefore covers these folders and files:
| Path | Content |
|---|---|
/gamemodes/ | Your gamemodes as .amx files |
/filterscripts/ | Additional scripts |
/plugins/ | Server plugins (.so) |
/scriptfiles/ | All data your scripts store themselves |
/models/ | Custom models and textures |
config.json or server.cfg | The server configuration |
bans.json or samp.ban | Your ban list |
Important
If your gamemode stores player data in a MySQL database, that data is not part of the server files. Back the database up separately as well — a backup of the server files alone is not enough in that case.
Caution
Stop your server before creating or restoring a backup. Running scripts write to scriptfiles while the server is up — a backup taken during operation can be incomplete.
Tip
Lock important backups (e.g. before major changes) so they cannot be overwritten by automatic backups. Also download especially important backups to your PC in case your backup limit is reached.
Info
Automatic backups as well as restarts can be requested free of charge via a support ticket. The "Scheduled Tasks" feature is currently in development and will be released this year.