X-Cart:X-CloudBackup

X-Cart4.1.x-4.5.x

Overview

X-CloudBackup is an add-on module for X-Cart that allows you to protect your ecommerce data with backups. With this convenient module you will never again have to worry about losing your store's files or database: all you'll need to do is set up a backup schedule and specify where you want backups to be uploaded - the system will take care of the rest. In addition to running backups automatically on a schedule, X-CloudBackup makes it possible to run backups manually (like before an upgrade or making a change to your site - just in case something goes wrong).

Key features

• One-click backups. Your entire store can be backed up with a single click of a button; just configure your preferences and rest assured that your precious data will be safe.
• Adjustable backup scope. Decide whether you want to back up your X-Cart store's database, files or both. Exclude specific directories or files from backup as you wish.
• Automatic, regularly scheduled backups. It is possible to specify the time when your next backup must be run or schedule backups to be run periodically (every day, every week). Once you have configured your settings, your store's data will be backed up automatically based on the schedule you defined: no chance of “forgetting” a vital backup and permanently losing irreplaceable data.
• Instant upload to Dropbox, Google Drive or FTP server of your choice. Add an extra layer of protection by housing your backup somewhere other than your primary server, so if something goes wrong with your server, your data will be safe. The module can automatically upload generated backups to Dropbox, Google Drive or any FTP server you specify. It is even possible to use more than one storage location at a time.

System requirements

To be able to successfully install and use the X-CloudBackup add-on module, you need to have an installed working copy of X-Cart 4.1.x or later. Make sure that the version of the module is the same as the version of your installed copy of X-Cart.

Also, the following is required:

• PHP version >= 5.3.1
• cURL PHP extension
• One of the following PHP functions available: exec, system or passthru
• crontab or other scheduling program on your server
• zip and mysqldump programs on your server

Note: If you do not remember the version of X-Cart on which your store is based, you can look it up in the Environment info section of the Summary page in X-Cart Admin area.

Installing the X-CloudBackup add-on module

To install the module:

1. Obtain the X-CloudBackup add-on module distribution package by downloading it from the File Area section of your X-Cart Account. The distribution package you need is contained in the archive file X-CloudBackup-x.y.z.tgz where x, y and z stand for X-Cart version (These need to match the version of X-Cart on which your store is based).
2. Copy the distribution package to the X-Cart root directory on your server or hosting account.
   • If you use a Windows-based server, or a UNIX-based server without terminal access:

   a) Decompress the archive with the X-CloudBackup distribution package to a directory on your system using your favorite compression program (WinZIP or any other archiver with support for TAR files).

   b) Use an FTP client to upload all the files contained in the archive (retaining the directory structure) to the X-Cart root directory on your server or your hosting account.

   • If you use a UNIX-based server with terminal access:

   a) Use an FTP client to upload the archive with the distribution package to the X-Cart root directory on your server or your hosting account.

   b) Decompress the package using the following command:

   tar -xzvf X-CloudBackup-x.y.z.tgz

   Important: Make sure you keep the directory structure while unpacking and uploading the distribution package, otherwise some necessary files can be overwritten!

3. In a web browser, run the installation script httр://<YOUR_XCART_DOMAIN>/install-xbackup.php replacing the variable <YOUR_XCART_DOMAIN> with the actual domain name of your X-Cart based store.
4. Enter the Auth code, accept the License Agreement and click the Next button.
   
5. The installation script patches the files and activates the module. Click Next to continue the installation.
   
   Note: if you are using a custom skin, you will need to manually apply the patches to it. Otherwise, the module will not work in this skin. For more info, see How to patch a 3rd party skin after the installation of the X-CloudBackup module.
6. The installation script generates a new system fingerprint. Click Next to complete the installation.
7. Use the ADMINISTRATOR AREA link to log in to the Admin area.

Enabling the X-CloudBackup add-on module

After the X-CloudBackup add-on module installation has been completed, the module you have installed needs to be enabled in your store:

1. In Admin area, go to the Modules section (Settings menu->Modules).
2. Choose the X-CloudBackup module by selecting the respective check box on the left.
3. Click the Apply changes button. This activates the module.
   
   

Configuring the X-CloudBackup add-on module

After the X-CloudBackup add-on module has been enabled in your store, you should check and adjust its configuration:

1. In the Modules section (Settings menu->Modules), click the Configure link opposite the module name ('X-CloudBackup').
   The module configuration page (titled by the name of the module) opens:

   

2. Adjust the settings on the module configuration page.
3. Click the Apply changes button to save the changes.

Configuring Google Drive storage

1. Create an API project in the Google APIs Console

1. Select the Services tab in your API project, and enable the Drive API.
2. Select the API Access tab in your API project, and click Create an OAuth 2.0 client ID.
3. In the Branding Information section, provide a name for your application (e.g. "Backup for my store"), and click Next. Providing a product logo is optional.
4. In the Client ID Settings section, do the following:

   Select Installed application for the Application type

   Select Other for the Installed application type.

   Click Create Client ID.

5. In the API Access page, locate the section Client ID for installed applications and note or copy the two pieces of information: the Client ID and the Client Secret.
6. You need to copy and paste Client ID and the Client Secret to X-CloudBackup settings page

Excluding files from backup archive

If you want to exclude some files from a backup archive, you have to fill field "Excluded files".

• folder_name/* - it is format to exclude folder with name "folder_name" and with all files in this folder from the backup archive.
• folder_name/file_name.txt - it is format to exclude specific file from the backup archive

Running cron_backup.php script

X-CloudBackup provides a script cron_backup.php, which must be executed from the command line. You can use this script to launch execution of periodic backup tasks, necessary for correct operation of the module.It is recommended to launch this script using your favorite scheduling program (for example | cron daemon in Unix/Linux systems) once per 5-10 minutes.

Recommended setup for running cron_backup.php script via crontab:

*/5 * * * * cd /path/to/your/xcart; /path/to/php -d safe_mode=Off cron_backup.php --key=c901d65fc15ff15d0ac0af967437d051

• */5 * * * * - to run script every 5 minutes
• cd /path/to/your/xcart - to change dir to x-cart folder on your server
• /path/to/php - path to PHP 5.3.1 CLI binary on your server
• -d safe_mode=Off - to execute cron_backup.php script
• --key=c901d65fc15ff15d0ac0af967437d051 - secure key defined in x-cart General Settings: Secure key for launching the cron.php script

Managing the X-CloudBackup add-on module

1. In Admin area, go to the X-CloudBackup page section (Tools->X-CloudBackup page). On this page you should connect X-CloudBackup with your Dropbox or Google Drive accounts and setup frequency and time of backuping.
   
   
2. On the tab "Last backup info" you can find information about the last backuping.
   
   
3. The list of the backup archive files is showing on the tab "Backup files".