How to Create a Backup of a Database Using PHP MyAdmin

Backing up your database regularly is a good idea. This guide will walk you through the process and help you create a backup of a database using phpMyAdmin. To do this you will need the phpMyAdmin software installed on your Web space, and your username and password for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• PhpMyadmin software

1. Log into the phpMyAdmin interface on your Web space. You will need the username and password assigned by your Web-hosting provider.

2. Select the database you wish to back up in the drop-down database selection box on the left.

3. Click the Export tab toward the top of the interface. This will take you to a rather daunting Export screen, with a lot of options.

4. Click "Select All." This makes sure all the tables in your database are included in the exported file.

5. Select “SQL” in the Export box.

6. Make sure “Structure” is selected, then make sure the "Add Auto_Increment" and "Enclose Table and Field Name With Backquotes" boxes are ticked.

7. Make sure "Data" is selected, check "Hexadecimal for Binary Field" and set the Export type to "Insert."

8. Select "Save as File,” then click "Go." You will be prompted to save the database to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you’re backing up your data for archival purposes and not simply exporting it for use in another database, you might want to compress it, as it will consume less hard drive space.
• Do this process regularly. It is simple and will save you a lot of bother, particularly if your database contains important financial or business information.
• Don’t play around too much in the Export section of phpMyAdmin. You can choose to compress the file if you wish or change the filename, but changing most of the other options will change which data is exported, or how.
• Don’t resave over the same backup. It’s possible that the backup you’re making is of a corrupted database, in which case you would be essentially deleting the only good backup you have.