---
title: Backing up the Hurricane MTA Server
description: The below outlines how to create a zip file that contains all of the files you would need to restore the MTA.
---
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1. [Help Center](https://help.socketlabs.com/docs?hsLang=en)
2. [Hurricane MTA](https://help.socketlabs.com/docs/hurricane-mta?hsLang=en)
3. [Hurricane Maintenance](https://help.socketlabs.com/docs/hurricane-mta?hsLang=en#hurricane-maintenance)
# Backing up the Hurricane MTA Server
## The below outlines how to create a zip file that contains all of the files you would need to restore the MTA.
To initiate a backup from the MTA Hurricane Server:
1. Download the **[Backup Installer](https://download.socketlabs.com/tools/hms-backup/setup-hmsbackup.msi)**
2. Run the installer and edit the file located at:
**C:\\Program Files\\Socketlabs\\HmsBackup\\hmsbackup.exe**
Everything is outlined within the config file, however, there are a few items that may want to be reviewed/changed
**Remove Exclusions (Optional)**
**FROM:**
```
// File extensions to exclude from backup. "FileExclusions": [ ".log", ".log.xml", ".mbin", ".tmp" ], // Directories to exclude from backup. "DirectoryExclusions": [ "suppression" ],
```
**TO:**
```
// File extensions to exclude from backup. "FileExclusions": [ ], // Directories to exclude from backup. "DirectoryExclusions": [ ],
```
**Note: If you backup .mbin files and restore them on another server, you may resend messages that were already sent.**
**If you want to save your backup to a File Share**
**Change OffsitePath From:**
```
// The path to store local backups. "OffsitePath": "C:\\Backups"
```
**To :**
```
// The path to store local backups. "OffsitePath": "\\\\corp.domain.com\\Backups"
```
3\. Once everything is set, execute the below as an admin:
```
C:\Program Files\SocketLabs\HmsBackup\hmsbackup.exe
```
It's recommended to execute manually the first time to see if any errors are encountered. Moving forward, continue to run manually or as a scheduled task.
4. Execute the above as a scheduled task at the desired interval to automate your backup.
To restore the MTA, please see [Restoring Hurricane MTA Server from Backup](https://help.socketlabs.com/docs/restoring-hurricane-mta-server-from-backup?hsLang=en)
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