How to Restore Your Old, Deleted or Expired Website

Introduction

Welcome to WaybackRestorer! This step-by-step guide will show you how to recover an old or deleted website using archived snapshots from the Wayback Machine. Whether your site was taken down years ago, or you’re looking to retrieve a version for SEO or nostalgia, WaybackRestorer simplifies the process.

Below, you’ll find everything from basic snapshot selection to advanced techniques like extracting additional resources and fixing URLs. Let’s dive in!

Basic Restore Video
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Basic Restore Explained
Quick Tutorial Video
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Quick Tutorial & Snapshot Tips
Advanced Restore Video
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Advanced Restoration & SEO Techniques

Step 1: Enter Your Domain Name

On your Dashboard (or the Restore Domain form), enter the URL of the website you want to recover, e.g. yourawesomewebsite.com.

  • Type only the root domain (no /path or query strings).
  • Decide between the www or non-www version—you can change later.
Note: If you see “Domain Restricted,” it may be adult content or very large—contact support or try another domain.

Step 2: View Available Snapshots

After clicking Submit, snapshots will load from the Wayback Machine. You’ll see:

  • Date & Time: When the snapshot was taken.
  • Screenshot URL: Link to archived version.
  • Fetch Screenshot: Preview content for usability.

Scroll or click Fetch Screenshots multiple times for a large list.

Step 3: Identify the TO Date

The TO Date is the most recent fully-functional snapshot. Preview with Fetch Screenshot. If it’s broken, try an older one.

Click To to lock it in (row highlights green).

Step 4: Identify the FROM Date

The FROM Date is the earliest files/images you need—often up to 1 year before TO Date.

Click From to lock it in (row highlights yellow).

Step 5: Confirm www vs. non-www

Choose your domain version (www.yoursite.com or yoursite.com) for link rewriting.

Step 6: Save the Restore Job

Click Save Restore Job. In My Jobs you’ll see it pending—hit Start Restore to begin.

Tip: Delete and recreate anytime if dates were wrong.

Step 7: Basic vs. Advanced Restoration

After basic restore, you can download a ZIP. For a full restore, run:

  1. Extract URLs: Gather all links.
  2. Download External: Pull external resources.
  3. Download Missing: Grab any Wayback-missed files.
  4. Fix URLs: Rewrite links to your domain version.

Step 8: Preview Your Restored Website

Before downloading, you can instantly preview your restored website online. After completing your basic or advanced restore, look for the Previews section in your job dashboard.

  • Automatic Previews: A preview is created automatically after restoration completes.
  • Multiple Versions: Create up to 3 different preview versions to test various restoration options.
  • Live URLs: Each preview gets its own temporary URL you can visit instantly in your browser.
  • Share & Test: Share preview links with clients or team members before going live.
Tip: Use previews to verify your site looks correct before downloading or hosting permanently.

Step 9: Download or Host Your Website

Once you're happy with your restored website, you have two convenient options:

Option A: Download & Self-Host

  • Click Download Zip to get all your website files.
  • Extract into your public_html folder or hosting root.
  • Point your domain's DNS to your hosting and go live.

Option B: One-Click Professional Hosting

For a hassle-free experience, use our integrated hosting service:

  • Simple Setup: Click "Get Hosting" and your site goes live automatically.
  • Custom Domain: Use your own domain name with automated DNS configuration.
  • Affordable Pricing: Just $35 one-time setup fee, then $1/month.
  • Instant Activation: Your restored website can be live within minutes.
  • Secure & Fast: Powered by enterprise infrastructure with SSL included.
Perfect For: Users who want to skip technical hosting setup and get online fast. The hosting button appears after finalization is complete.

Step 10: SEO & Monetization

  1. Fix SEO: If you purchased, titles/meta auto-optimize.
  2. Insert Ads: Embed placeholders, then drop in ad codes.

Step 11: (Optional) Convert to WordPress

  • Open a support ticket via My Jobs → Open Ticket.
  • Describe desired theme/import options.

Important Tips & Disclaimers

  • Fetch Times Vary: Depends on Wayback servers—be patient.
  • Not All Content Is Guaranteed: Some files may be missing.
  • Size Limits: Very large sites may be partial.
  • Copyright & Legal: Ensure you have restoration rights.
Need More Help?

Use the Open Ticket button on My Jobs—our team can guide you through any step.

Start a Website Restore