Thread: vbulletin backup?

I have never done a backup for any site and I don't know anything about backups.

don't blame me...my host does regular backups and has restored them whenever I have needed one...

so I am going to ask a few stupid questions here....

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I want to backup my vbulletin.

when i go to "database backup", it says

"Database backup via PHP is only recommended for those with small databases as timeouts may occur. Saving to the server or backup via command line is more reliable."

define "small database"...??

next, there are lot of tables which can be included/excluded.

should I include all tables?

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there is another option:

"Backup database to a file on the server"

if i backup on the server, can i later download it to my pc.

while downloading/uploading this file, is it possible the database may get corrupted?

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I have a very slow connection.... 192 kbps...how should i backup the site?

I think there are backup options in cpanel too.

can I use those?

I recommend 2 database backup scripts

MYSQL Dumper and vB Database Backup on vbulletin.org by PaulM. Mysql dumper is a manual script that can be used to beackup every database on the server. VB database backup runs for just one forum and is an automated script.

Mysql dumper - MySQLDumper - Backup your MySQL-Database (e.x. forum, guestbooks and online shops)

VB database backup - [ame=http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=167276]vB Database Backup - vBulletin.org Forum[/ame]


I use both of them on my various sites.

There are two basic, already integrated, ways to backup your vBulletin database.

1. Using the backup feature on cPanel that you mentioned in your post.
2. Going into the vBulletin Admin Panel - Maintenance - Database. You can back it up there.

If you have access to phpMyAdmin you may also export your database there and save it as an .sql file on your computer.

I always backed up my forums through option number 2. I back up other sites using the third option.

I dont suggest using any web/php based back up solution for larger databases or sites. If you get a time out, or another error during that long lengthy process and don't realize it, you could be making corrupt back ups.

There are a few fail safe ways that Kevin mentioned, and you can also do it via SSH and command line.

Originally Posted by Sundance

There are a few fail safe ways that Kevin mentioned, and you can also do it via SSH and command line.

who is Kevin?....

Originally Posted by texashiker

I recommend 2 database backup scripts

MYSQL Dumper and vB Database Backup on vbulletin.org by PaulM. Mysql dumper is a manual script that can be used to beackup every database on the server. VB database backup runs for just one forum and is an automated script.

Mysql dumper - MySQLDumper - Backup your MySQL-Database (e.x. forum, guestbooks and online shops)

VB database backup - vB Database Backup - vBulletin.org Forum


I use both of them on my various sites.

Great post, I used the automatic backup plugin as well, a great tool!