- When I select a directory (e.g. /moodle or /moodledata) or all files within it, the download button is in inactive mode. Meaning I cannot download the software& data to my computer for backup. What's the right technique for downloading them?
I think you would best use an FTP program, like FileZilla. FTP=File Transfer Program and is used for, guess what, transferring files from your machine to a remote server (commonly the one of your web hosting company) or other public sites. Filezilla is cross platform, open source (free to use) and works almost exactly the same in Windows, Linux, etc. Do a search in your browser to find a download site for Filezilla, download it and install it. If you run linux, it is already in whatever repository you use now. Once downloaded, run and install it, and set it up with the address, names, password provided by your hosting provider.
The Mozilla browser uses a FireFTP program as an addon, and it also works well. I have used it in a pinch and also like it.
- Do I simply paste the old config.php file inside the new moodle software or add its contents to the config-dist.php?
I think moodle builds the config file. Download the one it makes with an FTP program, and modify it if you wish (carefully) and reupload (with FTP)
- How do I restart the cPanel?
Cpanel is generally provided by your hosting company. Try putting this URL in your browser:
http://www.yourwebsite.com/cpanel (substituting your domain or your domain/directory info for "yourwebsite.com"