Backing Up Your Database
Before upgrading your WordPress software installation, make sure you back up your database. This step isn't required, of course, but it's a smart step to take to safeguard your Web site and ensure you have a complete copy of your Web site data in the event that your upgrade goes wrong.
The best way to back up your database is to use the MySQL administration interface provided to you by your Web hosting provider. (Book II, Chapter 5 takes you through the steps of creating a new database by using the phpMyAdmin interface.)
cPanel is a Web hosting interface provided by many Web hosts as a Web hosting account management tool that contains phpMyAdmin as the preferred tool to use to manage and administer databases. Not all Web hosts use cPanel or phpMyAdmin, however, so if yours doesn't, you need to consult the user documentation for the tools that your Web host provides. The instructions in this chapter are provided by using cPanel and phpMyAdmin.
The following takes you through the steps of creating a database backup, using the same phpMyAdmin interface:
- Log in to the cPanel for your hosting account.
Typically, browse to http://yourdomain.com/cpanel to bring up the login screen for your cPanel. Enter your specific hosting account username and password in the login fields and click OK to log in.
- Click the phpMyAdmin icon.
The phpMyAdmin interface opens and displays your database.
- Click the name of the database that you want to back up.
If you have more than one database in your account, the left-side menu in phpMyAdmin displays the names of all of them. Click the one you want to back up; the database loads in the main interface window.
- Click the Export tab at the top of the screen.
The page refreshes and displays the backup utility page.
- Select the Save as File box.
- Select the “zipped” option.
This compiles the database backup file in a .zip file and prepares it for download.
- Click the Go button.
A pop-up window appears, allowing you to select a location on your computer to store the database backup file.
- Click the Save button to download it and save it to your computer.
Book II, Chapter 7 contains in-depth information on making a complete backup of your Web site, including all your files, plugins, themes, and images. For the purposes of upgrading, a database backup is sufficient, but be sure to check out that chapter for valuable information on extensive backups, including how to restore a database backup in case you ever need to go through that process.