A database export protects the information stored in your tables. It does not include website files, uploaded images or mailbox data. Save a separate file backup as well.
Export a backup
- Open phpMyAdmin from cPanel.
- Select the correct database in the left panel. Check its name against your application configuration.
- Open Export, choose Quick and SQL, then download the export.
- Store it outside your public website folder in a secure location. Label it with the database name and date.
Restore safely
An SQL import can overwrite or delete existing data, depending on the statements in the file. Export the current database before restoring. Pause new orders or other writes if the site needs a consistent restore point.
- Create a separate empty database and user in cPanel when testing a restore.
- Select that destination database in phpMyAdmin.
- Open Import, choose the trusted SQL backup and start the import.
- Check for errors, confirm the expected tables exist and test the application against the restored database before changing the live connection.
If the import fails
Record the error and file size. Upload limits and database compatibility vary by service. Ask AnyKey support for the appropriate restore method; do not split a dump randomly or retry destructive statements on a live database.
