Backing up Databases.....?

[c1js]

How exactly would we go about making SURE our forum is saved properly - in the event of something happening to it..?

I'd like to make absolutely sure I'm saving it correctly, and am new to this... Is it something that needs to be done within the admin panel of the phpbb, or from within the cpanel...? I need to make sure I'm saving it in such a manner that all the saved info (posts, user accounts, etc) can be easily re-imported in case of a problem at some point...

[jason]

You can do a dump of the database from phpMyAdmin in the CPanel. Select your databse and click on the Export tab. Select all of the tables (shift-click the first and last in the list) and export. You should be able to keep the remaining options as-is. What you'll get is a text file full of SQL statements to recreate your entire database from scratch.

--Jason

[Gwaihir]

Isn't that what "download backup - database backup" at the CPanel is for? Using that I at least make sure I don't set some option wrong and find out AFTER things go haywire that I have an incomplete result.

Would anyone know if that database backup from the CPanel is made for you that instant, or a previously made daily backup?

[Galen]

I've always used Cpanel's backup utility and it saved my butt once. I backed up one night and the next morning discovered that an online enemy had figured out my password and deleted my entire forum! Restored the backup and everything was back to being exactly the way it was when I backed up.

So, no I don't think it's a previously made daily backup. It seems to download the database "as is" at that moment. And I can testify that it works flawlessly.

[jason]

I kinda forgot that that's there....

I'm pretty sure that it takes a snapshot of the DB when you make the request, but I haven't tested that...

--Jason

[c1js]

Thank you SO much you guys... I did what you said Jason, and will no doubt sleep better tonight...

Speaking of backing things up though, what is the download/restore backup option all about in the cpanel? It has these options, but I don't know what they are or if they are important to save or not:

Download today's backup file

Download a MySQL Database Backup

Download an Aliases Backup

Download a Filters Backup

There is also a "backup database" option on the phpbb board we have... Would saving that be duplicating efforts here?

(I'm save happy, can't help it I guess... heh)

[Vin DSL]

Originally posted by c1js
Speaking of backing things up though, what is the download/restore backup option all about in the cpanel? It has these options, but I don't know what they are or if they are important to save or not:

Download today's backup file

Download a MySQL Database Backup

Download an Aliases Backup

Download a Filters Backup

There is also a "backup database" option on the phpbb board we have... Would saving that be duplicating efforts here?

Most of the time (these days) I use the cPanel for backing up my sites. I didn't have that option in the past, and I hate crutches, so I still feel guily using it. I dunno, it just seems so decadent after doing things the hard way for so many years, you know?

Personally, I don't use aliases and filters, but I backup everything anyway, e.g. click all the backup buttons for everything on all my sites. Just make sure you test the files for integrity after you download them to your PC. Every once in a while you get a fart in a carload and you'll have to download the backups again. I'm sure there's a Murphy's Law about that somewhere --- the first time you actually need a backup, and you didn't check it, it WILL be corrupt, or whatever.

And, yes, backing up phpBB using the builtin feature is simply duplicating what you already did, The only difference is the cPanel uses a shotgun approach and the phpBB will probably only backup phpBB data.

[Orbitz]

hi,

I have a question about databases? I've read that recently there some sites hosted by jaguarpc having problems with database? has the problem been fixed yet?

Thanks!

[c1js]

Just make sure you test the files for integrity after you download them to your PC.

Ahh Ha! That was gonna be my next question. How do you normally do this? (Test to make sure if your forum was wiped out, that you could re-install a new phpbb board and then import that saved data)..?

[Vin DSL]

Originally posted by c1js


Ahh Ha! That was gonna be my next question. How do you normally do this? (Test to make sure if your forum was wiped out, that you could re-install a new phpbb board and then import that saved data)..?

I use a proggie called WinRAR, but most of the dullards on this site use WinZIP. Take your pick...

[jason]

Just try to open the archive. If it opens correctly, you're probably good. If not, download it again.

--Jason

[Vin DSL]

This is what I use at work: http://www.tugzip.com/

Takes a little getting used to, but you can't beat the price...