1. Backup your PHP files (actually ALL files)
Use your FTP program (using a Secured FTP connection) to make a copy of all the files on your website, by copying them from your webserver to a folder on your business computer. Preferably the directory/folder on your computer should be named by today's date so that you can distinguish between backups.Having this gives you not only an up-to-date set of files on your server, but also a reference point for either making changes or for making comparisons in case something gets compromised or damaged on your webserver. You can either use this set of files to restore the program back to your website, or to diagnose a problem if one occurs.
NOTE: Keeping multiple separate versions on your computer is prudent, in case something is changed unexpectedly or accidentally. So, archiving these downloaded files is wise ... either to CD/DVD or USB key or backup hard-drive, etc. Preferably into separate subfolders named by date.
2. Using phpMyAdmin to make a Database Backup
1. Open phpMyAdmin2. Select your database from the dropdown (usually on the left side), so that its tables are displayed (they usually display on the right side).
3. Click on the Export tab. (NOTE: Be sure you've already selected your database from the pulldown BEFORE clicking on the Export tab)
4. Now make the appropriate setting selections based on your version of phpMyAdmin:
(NOTE: If presented with a choice of "Quick Backup" or "Custom", CHOOSE "Custom", and follow the "Using phpMyAdmin v3.4 or higher" section below.)
USING phpMyAdmin v3.3 or lower:
The ideal settings to do a backup via phpMyAdmin are shown below. Settings not mentioned can be left to their defaults.- CHECKED: Structure
- CHECKED: Add DROP TABLE
- CHECKED: Add AUTO_INCREMENT value
- CHECKED: Enclose table and fieldnames with backquotes
- CHECKED: Data
- CHECKED: Complete Inserts
- CHECKED: Extended Inserts
- CHECKED: Use hexadecimal for binary fields (or BLOB)
- Export Type: INSERT
- CHECKED: Save as File
- Filename Template: __DB__
- Compression: "gzipped" (or whatever you prefer... gzip makes smaller files, but zip files are easier to read on Windows computers)
Using phpMyAdmin v3.4 or higher:
The ideal settings to do a backup via phpMyAdmin are shown below. Settings not mentioned can be left to their defaults.You will be presented with a choice of "Quick Backup" or "Custom", CHOOSE "Custom", and then make the following selections:
- Output: - Save output to a file, leave all the other settings under Output as defaults, except maybe Compression:
OPTIONAL: - Compression: "gzipped" (or whatever you prefer... gzip makes smaller files, but zip files are easier to read on Windows computers)
- Format: - SQL
- Format-specific options: - You ONLY need to check the "structure and data" option.
- Object creation options: - check ALL the boxes in this section
- Data dump options: - choose "INSERT" from the pulldown, and check the "both of the above" option. The rest of the defaults are fine.
5. Click Go to do the export. It will give you the option to save the file to your PC. BE SURE TO SAVE IT to an appropriate spot on your PC. Perhaps even burn it onto a CD for safekeeping.
TO RESTORE THE DATABASE:
- Open phpMyAdmin- From the dropdown menu, select the database you wish to restore INTO
- Click on the "Import" tab (in older phpMyAdmin versions, you might have to click the "SQL" tab instead)
- Click on the Browse button, and select the file you downloaded when making the backup
- You probably want to UNCHECK the "Allow interrupt of import" in the Partial Import section.
- Click Go
NOTE: If you are going to be RESTORING to a server running different version of MySQL than what your backup came from, you should be careful about which additional switches you check ... you might need to ensure that you have the appropriate MySQL 4 checkboxes set, etc. Ask your hosting company for guidance if you are uncertain.
