"I can only use sFTP?"
What a challenge I faced trying to update my D7 core (modules are still easy) on a recent site that I created prior to the D7's official release and then neglected for 6 months while on mat-leave. I created the site using SSH which became unavailable due to a change in policy and our strict systems administrators. So what's wrong? For one, I've never worked solely with sFTP - simply using it as a file transfer tool and for nothing else. For two, sFTP is unforgiving and backing up a very heavy 'site's directory can seem like a daunting task if you're unfamiliar with what can and can not be done. I decided to try it out cold turkey since my webserver backs up hourly and monthly - so reverting to an old version is only dependent on when my admin decides to come back from coffee break to handle the request. Sufficient to say, this is low on his list of priorities.
My first attempt left my test-site crippled and deformed. I realised that I have been utterly spoilt.
Drupal 7 (latest version 7.2) has a lovely update module that updates your modules for you - taking over from using Drush pm-update in the command line. This is very nice for the amateur web developer - PROVIDED your server allows for ftp updates which mine does not. Drush on the other hand is equally simple and allows you to do so much in such a short period of time through the command line - but you're dependent on being able to connect via SSH. For this website I had neither of the two luxeries.
What to do?
CyberDuck became my best friend. Unfortunately, curious on-lookers/co-workers looking over my shoulder asking questions and Oops! That precious 'sites' directory finds itself deleted. Now what? Wait for the admin to reset the folder to what it was. Now, why was I an idiot-fool enough not to back up the folder locally? More importantly, why didn't I mirror my site on my computer and make all the relevant changes there? As I scratched my head, bit my lip, and meditated on my utter lack of caution... I wondered what tools are out there for someone in my predicament.
Drupal has a module that can come to my rescue! Backup and Migrate. I will post again later to say how well it worked.
In the meantime, maybe I'll go buy the admin another coffee and dangle it over his head until I get my files restored.