PHP fix - suddenly it doesn't save the info entered

I have a website that is entirely in .php. It also uses the mysql database/cpanel. Long story short, the site is a business I'm looking to start up where people will post their advertisements for their business. Basically, they log in with their username/password, enter a bunch of information (i.e. their business name, address, employees, what they do, etc), and then log out. Then other visitors can do a search for businesses using various criteria. It is basically an online yellow pages -- where the advertisers log in and create their own ads, and others can search their ads and contact them if they want. First request: The site was working fine. The next thing I know, now when people enter the information for their ad, it suddenly does not save it. I suspect this is an easy fix - although waaaaaaay over my head. Therefore, I need somebody to fix the site so that the information the people enter is once again saved. Basically, a new user enters information in the site, no error is reported, but when they go back to seach for the ad they created, it doesn't show up. Also, I need help on HOW TO BACKUP/RESTORE the entire site/database so that I can move it someplace else if necessary and restore the databases, etc -- explaining it in super duper simple terms so that I can understand it (and please keep a backup of the ENTIRE site and database on your end as well just incase I screw everything up and I need you to restore it sometime in the future) -- I guess just toss it on a CD and throw it on the shelf just incase... I REALLY should learn how to backup/restore the site just incase. Therefore, I need somebody to type up/explain a totally idiot proof instruction manual on how to backup my site and upload it someplace else. ** please see below in 'platform' section of description/problem I'm having in trying to backup the site ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). + a super idiot proof text document with step by step instructions on how EXACTLY to backup the entire site and restore it someplace else. ## Platform CONTINUED FROM ABOVE AS TO EXAMPLE OF PROBLEM I HAD TRYING TO BACKUP THE SITE: What I did was I downloaded ALL of the files using an ftp program. Then I re-uploaded the files into the new server. I then went into cpanel, clicked "backup", and clicked on "Download a MySQL Database Backup" and downloaded the files. Then I clicked on "Download Email Domain Forwarder or Filter Backup" and downloaded those files. Then I logged out, and logged into the new system and went back to cpanel, clicked "backup" and restored the previously downloaded files, but it changes the name to sql -- and the site doesn't work right. aRgh!! PLATFORM INFORMATION: It is entirely in php and uses the mysql database/cpanel to save information. Basically, to log into the site, you would type: [login to view URL] Then it asks you for your username/password.