> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://companyname-a7d5b98e-w5-api.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Backups

## MyTonCtrl backup commands

MyTonCtrl bundles helper scripts for creating and restoring node backups. These commands wrap the shell scripts located in `mytonctrl/scripts/` and handle temporary files, keyring exports, and user selection.

<Warning>Exporting and restoring backups exposes private keys and validator configuration.
Risk: key leakage allows account takeover; config mistakes can halt validation.
Scope: this node’s keys and validator state.
Rollback: create a fresh backup first; you can restore it if needed.
Environment: test on TON Testnet before using on TON Mainnet.</Warning>

## Operational notes

* Backups capture MyTonCtrl data, validator config, and keyring files. Always store backup archives securely (they contain private keys).
* Restoration overwrites existing configuration. Ensure the donor node is offline before restoring its backup to avoid data divergence.
* Both scripts expect `sudo` or equivalent privileges when manipulating system files. Use the `-u` flag to match the original install user if necessary.

## create\_backup

**Purpose:** Generate a compressed archive containing MyTonCtrl configuration, keyring, and validator data.

**Syntax**

```mytonctrl theme={null}
create_backup [filename] [-u <user>]
```

**Behavior**

* Exports the validator keyring via `exportallprivatekeys`, captures the current `config.json`, and stages them in a temporary directory.
* Invokes `scripts/create_backup.sh` with:
  * `-m` pointing to the MyTonCtrl working directory (usually `/var/ton-work`).
  * `-t` referencing the temporary snapshot directory.
  * Optional `-d <filename>` when you supply `filename`; otherwise the script chooses its own name.
  * Optional `-u <user>` to run the backup script as a specific system user (defaults to the effective user).
* Removes the temporary directory afterwards and prints `create_backup - OK` or `... - Error` based on the script’s exit code.

**Examples**

```mytonctrl theme={null}
create_backup
create_backup mynode-backup-2024-05-01.tar -u validator
```

## restore\_backup

**Purpose:** Restore a previously created backup archive into the current node environment.

**Syntax**

```mytonctrl theme={null}
restore_backup <filename> [-y] [--skip-create-backup] [-u <user>]
```

**Behavior**

* Requires the backup archive filename. Optional flags:
  * `-y` skips the interactive confirmation prompt.
  * `--skip-create-backup` prevents MyTonCtrl from making a safety backup of the current state before restoring.
  * `-u <user>` runs the restore script as the specified system user (defaults to the current user).
* Without `--skip-create-backup`, first calls `create_backup` with default arguments so you can roll back if needed.
* Resolves the node’s IP address, then runs `scripts/restore_backup.sh` with `-m <work_dir>`, `-n <filename>`, `-i <node_ip>` (converted to integer form).
* If restoration succeeds and validator mode is active, reinitializes BTC Teleport to ensure the service still matches the restored state.
* Exits MyTonCtrl after a successful restore so you can restart with the new configuration.

**Examples**

```mytonctrl theme={null}
restore_backup mynode-backup-2024-05-01.tar
restore_backup mynode-backup-2024-05-01.tar -y --skip-create-backup -u validator
```