Thread

Hi - I can’t find any decent info in the user guide for best way to back up EE

Is there a specific set of options that should be clicked to download the DB in phpmySQL?
Should website be turned off when downloading DB or does it matter?
etc.,
Anything else I should know?

Hi stevo_s,

Backing up your database on a regular basis is a fantastic idea. Especially before installing new add-ons or updating a site.

In PHPMyAdmin, select your ExpressionEngine database and click “Export”. Make sure all tables are selected and the option for “SQL” is set. You want both the “Structure” and “Data” boxes checked, and I use “Complete Inserts”. Check “Save as File” and don’t use compression.

The most important thing is to test it before you trust it. Do that by importing it into a local install and verifying the data.

Should website be turned off when downloading DB or does it matter?

As long as no new content is being added at the time you backup, it makes no difference.

Cheers,

Hi stevo_s,

When backing up my database I typically make sure to check the options of Add DROP TABLE / VIEW / PROCEDURE / FUNCTION / EVENT and Add CREATE PROCEDURE / FUNCTION / EVENT - I have not had any problems with leaving my site running at the time of backup creation.

There is an add-on Backup Pro which does a great job of running automatic backups.

Is there anything else I can assist you with?

Sean

Thats great, thanks.
Maybe this info could be added to the User Guide? Seems like important info.

Stevo_s,

That’s a good idea and the user guide does have the option for you to add comments at the bottom of the page. I encourage you to leave one.

Sean