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netcup snapshots are managed in the Server Control Panel (SCP) under Media > Snapshots. Choose an offline snapshot for a backup before major changes or for migration: the server must be off, and that snapshot can be exported. An online snapshot is taken while the server is running, but it cannot be exported and carries a risk of data loss if files change during capture.
Where snapshots fit in the netcup SCP
Sign in to the SCP, select the server, then open Media > Snapshots. From there you can create, export, revert, or delete snapshots. Reverting and deleting are different actions: reverting resets the server to the selected snapshot, while deleting removes that snapshot and cannot be undone. netcup documents these controls in its Media guide.
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Online vs. offline snapshots: which should you choose?
| Consideration | Offline snapshot | Online snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Server state during capture | Server is off. | Server is on; netcup says the snapshot also saves the server’s state. |
| Can it be exported? | Yes. | No. |
| Risk to changing files | Not subject to the documented online-capture warning about concurrent file changes. | netcup warns that file changes during capture may cause irreparable data loss. |
| Availability with Local Block Storage | Not stated in netcup’s Media documentation. | Unavailable. |
| Best fit | Backup before a major change or migration. | Capturing a running server’s state when export is not needed, with the capture risks understood. |
netcup also warns that an online capture may leave the server unresponsive for a few minutes. It is not a safe substitute for a consistent backup while files are actively changing. For major, potentially breaking changes and migration, netcup recommends the offline option.
How to create and export a snapshot
- Log in to SCP and select the server.
- Open Media > Snapshots.
- Enter a snapshot name and description, choose Online or Offline, then select Create. Use offline for an exportable snapshot; shut the server down first.
- To export an eligible snapshot, select Export. When the download option appears, select Download, or copy the provided link into a download manager.
- If the downloaded file is compressed as
snapshot.raw.zst, decompress it before uploading or reusing it:zstd -d snapshot.raw.zst -o snapshot.raw.
An attached ISO as a CD-ROM or DVD prevents creation of a new snapshot. netcup’s Media guide also provides a streaming download example: curl ... | zstd -do snapshot.raw; use the exact download link supplied by your SCP export rather than treating the ellipsis as a literal command.
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How to migrate a netcup server with a snapshot
Snapshot migration is intended to clone the source server with its system, packages, and services. netcup recommends it for that purpose and documents the process in its server migration guide.
- Shut down the source server.
- In the source server’s Media > Snapshots, create an offline snapshot and export it.
- Find the exported snapshot under Images > Custom Images on the servers.
- Select the destination server, open Media > Images, and install the snapshot.
- Check the destination’s network configuration and adjust it if needed.
The destination server’s hard disk must be at least as large as the partition used by the backed-up server. If snapshot migration does not work as expected, netcup suggests considering rsync instead; its documentation does not establish a general speed or consistency advantage for either method.
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What revert and delete do—and the controls they are not
Revert
Select Revert for the snapshot you intend to use, then confirm. This resets the server to that snapshot; it is not a download or a separate copy operation. Verify the selected snapshot and the effect of the action before confirming.
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Select the snapshot to remove and confirm deletion. The deletion cannot be undone, so check the selected item before proceeding.
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Reset is a forced restart, not a restore
The SCP’s separate Reset control forces a restart; it does not restore a snapshot. netcup warns that using Reset may cause data loss. See its Control documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Export allowance and account access
netcup says each server includes one free snapshot export. Further exports can be booked in CCP under Products, the relevant product, and Snapshot. The documentation does not specify a universal current price, so check the options shown in your account.
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netcup’s SCP login documentation states that two-factor authentication is supported directly in SCP from July 20, 2026, and describes TOTP and passkey options. It recommends setting up WebAuthn as an additional method in case another method becomes unavailable. Because this is a dated vendor statement, check your current account interface if the available options differ: Logging In to the SCP.
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The SCP home page lists servers, their current state, and uptime. Its settings include language and password options, and netcup documents a SOAP web service that is disabled by default and can support automation such as starting and stopping servers. That overview does not establish that snapshot operations are available through the API. See Server Control Panel Home Page.
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