Automate the backing up of your data by using a WordPress plugin like WP-DBManager. WP-DBManager is must have plugin, even for those who know their way around PhpMyAdmin or other MySQL admin control panel. Beyond scheduling backups, simplify the emptying/dropping of database tables, or restoring from an older database can all be done from within the WP admin panel.
Once you’ve installed and activated the database manager plugin, you’ll see a new wp-admin tab called ‘Database’. Start with ‘Database Options’ to enter the main settings. Many times the default settings will work for the three ‘path’ fields on this page of plugin configuration.
‘Backup DB’ - Checking WP-DBManager ConnectionsÂÂ
You’ll know if things are working by the result messages that are displayed on the ‘Backup DB’ tab: red is bad, green means success. When reading the result messages on the ‘Database Options’ page, these will either relate to the database path OR the backup written to the server.
In the example above, the paths to MySQL are working, but the backup folder either doesn’t exist or isn’t writable by the server.
‘Database Options’ - absolute path to MySQL
You may have to play around with the absolute paths under the ‘Database Options’ tab. If you can’t get the plugin to work, contact your host asking about the absolute paths to 1)mysql, 2)mysqldump and 3)html files.
Backing Up Database to Server
Part of the results messages on the ‘Backup Database’ page. Typically, you’ll create a folder called ‘backup’ or similar within your wp-content directory. Make sure that folder has proper permissions for the server to write to it. Make sure this is the same as what is listed on the ‘Database Options’ admin page.
Backups Emailed
Another great thing about this plugin is that you can set how often a backup will be saved to the server, as well as input an email address (optional) if you want to receive the backups via email too. You may wish to create an email account specifically for backups. Set the quota on the email account low and you will always have the freshest copies in your email as well as on your http server.
More Info / Support
If you’re stuck trying to get this plugin to do what you want be sure to search the WP-DBManager Forums, a wealth of helpful information.
