As part of our blogging series that help new users how to manage and maintain an online blog, this brief tutorial is going to show you how to easily backup and restore WordPress databases via CPanel. This post is aimed at new users and newbies who are just starting out with managing WordPress via CPanel.
Since CPanel is the most popular hosting platform to access the backend stuff of your blog, we’re going to be using it to perform the backup and restore process.
The main reason one would want to backup WordPress databases is to prevent situations where your blog is hacked or by mistake you change something and can’t restore your blog functionality. Your blog databases are changed and corrupted and you’re stuck.
Backing up your databases regularly will help you restore them in the event you have to do so. It’s a common practice and if you want to succeed with your blog, try to do it. There might be WordPress plugins that may help you automatically backup your databases, but if you want to learn how to do it manually via CPanel, then continue below.
To get started, sign onto CPanel with your username and password using your blog URL followed by /cpanel.
http://yourblog.com/cpanel
After signing in, click on phpMyAdmin from the control panel.
Next, select the database you want to backup or export from the list. Then check the box below to select all tables and click Export.
When prompted, accept the default format and click Go. Save the file locally and you’re done. If the database is too large, you’ll have to find other means of backing it up.
That’s how you backup databases via CPanel with the help of phpMyAdmin.
In the event that you need to restore your database, open phpMyAdmin and delete the current database since it’s corrupted and no longer valid. Only do this if you know you have a backup copy and that the current database is no longer useful.
To drop the database, click on Databases tab and select the database you want to drop or delete. If you do that, you’ll have to create another database with the exact name as the previous one.
Another way is to drop all tables in the current database one at a time. Doing this, you won’t have to re-create the database and permissions.
After dropping the database or tables, select the empty database you created with the same name and click ‘Import’ from the tab. The browse and select the database you want to import, and click Go.
That file should be imported into the current database with the backed-up info. That’s how you do it in CPanel. Again, if the database is too large, it might fail.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to backup Wordpress databases via CPanel using phpMyAdmin?
To backup Wordpress databases via CPanel using phpMyAdmin, sign in to CPanel, click on phpMyAdmin, select the database to backup, choose all tables, click Export, save the file locally, and you're done.
What is the importance of backing up Wordpress databases regularly?
Regularly backing up Wordpress databases is crucial to prevent data loss in case of hacking or accidental changes. It helps in restoring functionality and maintaining blog integrity.
Why is it recommended to backup Wordpress databases manually via CPanel?
Manual backup via CPanel provides a deeper understanding of the process and allows for greater control over the backup settings. It ensures a more tailored and comprehensive backup strategy.
Can Wordpress plugins be used to automate database backups?
Yes, there are Wordpress plugins available that can automate database backups, providing convenience and saving time. However, manual backup via CPanel offers a more hands-on approach.
What should be done if the database size is too large to backup via CPanel?
In case the database size is too large for CPanel backup, alternative methods like using external backup services or dividing the backup into smaller parts can be considered.
Is it necessary to backup Wordpress databases if using a secure hosting platform like CPanel?
Even on secure hosting platforms like CPanel, it is essential to backup Wordpress databases regularly. Security measures can reduce risks, but backups provide an additional layer of protection.
How can backing up Wordpress databases via CPanel help in blog maintenance?
Backing up Wordpress databases via CPanel streamlines blog maintenance by ensuring data integrity and facilitating quick restoration in case of issues. It is a proactive step towards blog security and stability.
What are the potential risks of not backing up Wordpress databases via CPanel?
Failure to backup Wordpress databases via CPanel can result in irreversible data loss, compromised blog functionality, and extended downtime. Regular backups are crucial to mitigate such risks.
