database backup

[gsdcypher]

a lot of the hacks say make sure to back up your database before installing this hack (in case something goes horribly wrong)....

what is the best, fastest, easiest way to backup the "database" and what files do I specifically need to back up?

[bbrian017]

Always back up db and your ftp files. To make a back up I suggest going to myphpadmin and selecting the back up from there. If you don't have acces to myphpadmin then you will have to wait for someone who knows how to with the e comm application.

[schoolboy]

Agreed... phpMyAdmin is a feature (service) that is commonly "bolted" onto C-Panel - under the MySQL service.

Wherever the link is (to phpMyAdmin), it is a facility that allows you to manage and administer your database.

For the most part, you won't need to know the really "technical" aspects of MySQL, but it's useful to know some of the important ones - such as EXPORTING your database, and/or making copies and backups of it.

One of the best ways of learning MySQL is to install a copy of zencart on your server, in a SUB-directory (or on your own computer that's been configured properly as a server - see XAMPP).

Then, you can create a database and fool about with it at your heart's content. There are lots of TUTORIALS on MySQL, and in a few days you will be tinkering with the functions.

Anyway, in phpMyAdmin, there is a relatively easy EXPORT function that allows you to DUMP your database, and save it to your hard drive, in what is essentially a TXT file. (Though you instruct the program to export as SQL, it still renders as a TXT file).

Interestingly, this simple TXT file (called "abcde.sql) IS your database!

And you can use this file to re-instate* your database if the original collapses.

The key to database management is dilligence - make sure you back it up regularly. Our webshosts do this daily for us - automatically - for a nominal $2 a month (absolute bargain), but I also do the export every 2 or 3 days.

*There are a few sql commands that you need to understand, such as "DROP TABLE IF EXISTS" and a few others - but this can be learned in a few hours on a good SQL tutorial website.

[MeltDown]

a lot of the hacks say make sure to back up your database before installing this hack (in case something goes horribly wrong)....

what is the best, fastest, easiest way to backup the "database" and what files do I specifically need to back up?

...And what about the BackUp MYSQL Plugin? It certainly is the most simple way to backup the database. Is it thorough? I have it installed and use it but have never needed to reload one of my backups.

[gsdcypher]

thanks.

ok. found the myphpadmin and i choose export database.

on this screen it says:

export: and sql is selected. i can also select others? but i should leave sql selected?

sql options: do i need any or none?

database options: do i need to check add drop database?

structure: what should i check?

data: what should i check? what should i set for max length?

save file as: should it be compressed?

just trying to do it right. thanks!

[nick04263]

From the Tutorials Section:

How can I do a database-backup with phpMyAdmin?


The ideal settings to do a backup via phpMyAdmin are shown below.

NOTE: BEFORE clicking on "Export", you should select your database from the dropdown, so that its tables are displayed. THEN click on the "Export" tab.

- CHECKED: Structure
- CHECKED: Add DROP TABLE
- CHECKED: Add AUTO_INCREMENT value
- CHECKED: Enclose table and fieldnames with backquotes
- CHECKED: Data
- CHECKED: Complete Inserts
- CHECKED: Extended Inserts
- CHECKED: Use hexadecimal for binary fields
- Export Type: INSERT
- CHECKED: Save as File
- Filename Template: __DB__
- Compression: "gzipped" (or whatever you prefer... gzip makes smaller files)



TO RESTORE THE DATABASE:
- open phpMyAdmin
- select the database you wish to restore INTO, from the dropdown menu
- click on the "SQL" tab (in newer phpMyAdmin versions, you might have to click the "Import" tab instead, to get the "Browse" button mentioned next:)
- click on the Browse button, and select the file you downloaded when making the backup
- click Go

[Merlinpa1969]

your best bet is to install the backup module that was described above,

then always make sure to backup before adding any module,

( hack is usually a dirty word for websites ) lol

once you have the backup module in place you can then do the DB backup from the ZC admin,

as for downloading your files,
yes it is always a good idea to make a complete backup on your desktop but this isnt something that you need to do often, since the files dont change on a daily basis

[gsdcypher]

thanks again.

if i download the MOD ;-) then unzip it, i just ftp it to my cart folder and run it from admin? that sounds easy??? do i ftp in bin or ascii?

[Merlinpa1969]

just use auto

[gsdcypher]

sweet. it worked. it think... we'll see we i need to restore it. lol.

thanks.