Question: How do I export a database? Print

Answer : 

Exporting a database is useful when backing up your website, migrating to another server, cloning an installation, or saving a snapshot before making changes.

GHFS Hosting allows you to export databases easily via phpMyAdmin or Plesk Database Manager.

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

Steps:

1. Log in to your Plesk panel

2. Go to Websites & Domains

3. Click Databases

4. Choose the database you want to export

5. Click phpMyAdmin

6. In phpMyAdmin, click the Export tab

7. Choose export method:

   • Quick (recommended for most users)

   • Custom (advanced settings like selecting tables, output format, compression, etc.)

8. Choose the format (default: .sql)

9. Click Go

Your database will download to your computer.

2. Export a Database Using Plesk Database Manager

Steps:

1. In Plesk, go to Databases

2. Select the database

3. Click Export Dump

4. Choose:

   • Download the dump file

   • Or save it on the server

5. Optional: select compression (.zip, .gz)

6. Click OK

Plesk will generate the dump and download it.

3. Exporting Large Databases

For very large databases, phpMyAdmin may time out.

Recommended alternatives:

A. Use Plesk Export Dump

• No browser timeout issues

• Faster and more stable

• Supports compression

B. Use SSH + mysqldump (VPS Only)

Compressed:

4. Choosing the Right Export Method

Use “Quick Export” in phpMyAdmin when:

• You need a simple backup

• You want a clean .sql file

• The database is small

Use “Custom Export” when:

• You want specific tables only

• You want compression

• You need compatibility settings

• You want to exclude data (structure only)

Use Plesk Export when:

• phpMyAdmin times out

• Database is large

• You want automated backups saved to the server

5. Common Export Errors and How to Fix Them

Error: “Connection Timed Out”

Cause:

• Database too large for phpMyAdmin

Fix:

• Use Plesk Export Dump or SSH

Error: Missing tables in export

Cause:

• You exported only selected tables

Fix:

• Use Quick mode or select all tables manually

Error: Empty export file

Causes:

• No tables exist

• Database user has insufficient permissions

Fix:

• Check database contents

• Verify user permissions in Plesk

Error: Special characters not displayed correctly

Cause:

• Wrong character set selected

Fix:

• Export with UTF-8

• Ensure database collation is UTF-8

6. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Support can help if:

• Your export keeps failing

• You receive MySQL errors

• phpMyAdmin freezes during export

• Your database is too large

• You are unsure which database to export

Support can provide a manual export or correct any configuration issues.