Using dreamweaver as my design tool, I simply switch to remote view and GET the entire site. If you PUT an empty folder, you could empty your site, so dont do that!!!
If you are archiving, create a new site using the assistant but designate your backup folder as the local folder - ignore the warnings that it doesnt match. When you are finished the local folder is empty, as long as you set up the ftp info the same, follow my above instruction and it will duplicate the entire site, hidden files and all.
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use what you have before you go nuts shopping!