How do I dump my database to an SQL file?

I'm trying to upgrade from v1.3.7.1 to 1.3.8, and the instructions say this:

Unzip a copy of the new version of Zen Cart™, upload it to your webserver into a "demo" folder, and install the new version into a separate database, and include the Demo products. [...] Make a full backup of your database (dump to SQL file). Store this file on your PC for later reference.

OK...I did upload the new version of ZC to a "demo" folder on my server, and I backed up EVERY file from my HTTPDOCS onto my PC...after that I'm totally lost. I don't understand what it means to "install the new version into a separate database" or when it says to "make a full backup of your database (dump to SQL file)". Where is this magic database? And how do I access the MySQL program?

I know I'm a total newbie, but somebody please help!

The best way to do this is using phpMyAdmin, and if you work through C-Panel, you will find links to phpMyAdmin in the section of c-panel relating to databases.

phpMyAdmin can be a dangerous area for the novice - you are using a tool that has the function of making changes to your database. Unless you are familiar (not necessarily expert), you should ask your host (or a knowledgeable friend) to do the sql dump for you.

Anyway, assuming you are comfortable with phpMyAdmin...

On the phpMyAdmin screen you will see a Left Frame and a Right Frame. In the left frame, SELECT the database you want to work with (there may only be one).

Now you will see a "tree" of tables appear in the left frame, and a lot of info in the right frame.

At the top of the right frame you will see "EXPORT" - click this.

Now, you will SELECT ALL tables to export. (NB: if your database is very large, you may want to do the dumping is sections). I sometimes clear the admin cache and other caches before I do the dump.

Then you have a choice as to HOW (what format) you want to export. It should have the default "sql" button selected.

Scroll down: click "GO".

(NB: there are other settings you can choose before you click GO, and if you want to know what these all mean, you will need to learn more about mySQL).

After a few seconds, you will see you database SQL appear in a window.

You can now COPY and PASTE this into a txt file (that you will name, for example "mydatabase-todaysdate.sql").

Now you have a copy of your current database in sql format.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a very simplified explanation! You will need to do some reading up first!

I guess it would have helped had I known that phpMyAdmin is a an actual program...I thought it was some kind of utility in the ZC Admin. :blush:

I just downloaded phpMyAdmin and will take a look at it. I'm usually pretty good at figuring these things out on my own, but I have a feeling I might be asking someone to do this for me. Thanks for all your help!

Sounds like you are hosting on your own server...

Generally, most webhosts offer c-panel, and in almost all cases phpMyAdmin is there too.

Why would you need to "download and install" phpMy Admin :huh:

Where is your site being hosted?

As schoolboy said, phpMyAdmin is generally part of the webmaster panel supplied by your hosting company.

There's a tutorial on backing up your database.

You may also find SQLyog useful if you are using MySQL. That is a standalone, free, client for doing db stuff.

My website is being hosted by my brother-in-law who owns a small computer/VOIP company. He did the initial install of ZC and my template for me in July 2007. Since then, I have pretty much been on my own. I use WinSCP to upload files to the server...that is the only resource I have, as far as I know. Any ideas?

OK...I just talked to my brother-in-law, who set up phpMyAdmin for me on the server, and he did a back up of my entire site in case I totally screw it up! Now I should be able to follow the instructions that you guys gave me. Wish me luck!

Your brother-in-law sounds like a really nice guy - and I imagine he's not charging you a fortune to host your site.

Only you (or your brother-in-law) can answer my next question, which may seem a little "blunt"...

Are you confident that the server on which your site currently resides is configured sufficiently to allow you to manage your site properly, and that the configuration is entirely compatible with the version of zencart you are using?

Remmeber - server software and program software are always being advanced and upgraded, and it is vital that your web host (even if it is your brother-in-law) ensures that this compatibility is 100% retained.

When you are running a simple website (a few html pages displaying pictures of your last family vacation) you can host it on an old steam-driven system.

With e-commerce (when you are taking people's data and credit card info) it's a different story...

Here, the server must not only be 100% compatible with the software, but be extremely secure as well.

Schoolboy - Here's the link to my brother-in-law's website with info about their web hosting packages. bignetworks.com/webhosting.htm

Normally, they do offer all the bells and whistles, so to speak, but since I'm getting this service for free, he's just doing me a special favor. But I assure you the server is up to par for hosting a Zen Cart site, otherwise he would have directed me to get my web hosting elsewhere.

I've looked at phpMyAdmin now, but haven't done the database back-up yet. I'm still a little nervous. Once I back it up, I'm not sure how to assign a new database to my "demo" folder for ZC 1.3.8.

Thanks again for the input.

Either you or your brother-in-law will have to create a new database and assign a user ID and password to it. When you install 1.3.8a, you'll need that information (database name, user ID and password) during the installation.