---
title: Repository backup and restore
description: WP Data Access creates a backup of all your repository tables each time the plugin is updated (unless disabled). This mechanism was added to prevent plugin users losing their repository data during an update failure. It has now been extended…
url: "https://docs.legacy.wpdataaccess.com/docs/repository-backup-and-restore-management/"
updated: "2026-03-28"
category: "Data Explorer / Problems & Solutions"
---

# Repository backup and restore

WP Data Access creates a backup of all your repository tables each time the plugin is updated (unless disabled). This mechanism was added to prevent plugin users losing their repository data during an update failure. It has now been extended to allow plugin users to make interactive backups, download backups and restore backups partially or completely. These new features are available from:

**Settings > WP Data Access > Manage Repository**

![](https://docs.legacy.wpdataaccess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/repository-backup-restore.png)

Button '**Download actual repository tables'** does not create a backup. It just downloads all your repository table to an SQL script file.

Use the '**download' icon** to download a specific repository backup.

Use the '**restore' icon** to restore a specific repository backup. This opens a form (see image above – click to enlarge) where tables to be restored can be selected.

Use the '**delete' icon** to delete a specific repository backup.