Question: How do I import a database? Print

Answer :

Importing a database is a common task when migrating a website, restoring a backup, or installing an application such as WordPress, Laravel, or custom PHP scripts.

GHFS Hosting makes database imports simple through phpMyAdmin or Plesk Database Manager.

1. Import a Database Using phpMyAdmin (Most Common Method)

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk panel

2. Go to Websites & Domains

3. Click Databases

4. Select the database you want to import into

5. Click phpMyAdmin

6. In phpMyAdmin, open the Import tab

7. Click Choose File

8. Select your .sql, .zip, or .gz file

9. Scroll down and click Go

Your database will be imported.

2. Important Notes When Importing via phpMyAdmin

Supported formats:

• .sql

• .zip

• .gz

File size limits:

phpMyAdmin may restrict upload size based on your hosting plan.

If your file is too large, use Plesk Import Tool or SSH + MySQL CLI (VPS).

3. Import a Database Using Plesk Database Manager

Steps:

1. Go to Plesk → Databases

2. Select the desired database

3. Click Import Dump

4. Choose:

   • Upload a file from your computer

   • Or select a file already on your hosting account

5. Click OK

Plesk will automatically import the database dump.

4. Import a Large Database (Over phpMyAdmin Limit)

If your .sql file is very large, use one of these methods:

Method A: Use Plesk's “Import Dump” (Preferred for Shared Hosting)

• No browser upload limit

• Can import large dumps

Method B: Use SSH + MySQL (VPS Only)

SSH command:

Or for gzip files:

5. Common Import Errors and Solutions

Error: “#1044 Access Denied”

Cause:

• Wrong database user

• User does not have permission

Solution:

• Check database user credentials in Plesk

• Make sure the correct user is assigned to the database

Error: “#2006 MySQL Server Has Gone Away”

Cause:

• File too large

• Timeout limit reached

Solution:

• Use Plesk Import Dump or SSH import

Error: “Duplicate Entry”

Cause:

• Importing the same data twice

Solution:

• Drop tables before import (only if you intend to overwrite)

Error: SQL mode incompatibilities

Cause:

• Old MySQL version → New MySQL version mismatch

Solution:

• Remove outdated SQL statements from the file (GHFS support can assist)

6. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• Your import fails repeatedly

• You receive unclear SQL errors

• The dump file seems corrupt

• You do not know which database to import into

• File size is too large for phpMyAdmin

Support can import your database manually or help fix errors.