Today i just received a call from my friend, she got some error of her blog and can’t log in to the admin area, as i try to replace some php file, it still the same. So, have to re-install the whole wordpress blog and share what i have did maybe could help..

Before re-install, i have to backup the database, makesure all the post & comments are backup into my hard drive, i log into the Cpanel and click on mysql database icon, you will come to a lists of database which you may have installed eg. forum, wordpress, others content management software etc… of course you need to ensure which one of the database is under your wordpress blog, then, confirm & choose the correct database name and user name, no worry it comes with option), press and log into the phpmyadmin control panel.

In the phpmyadmin control area, you will saw a “Export” tab button, click and save your database as sql or xml will do, is better you save both into your hard drive. For the detail step and information, you can refer the links here from wordpress.org support center. ( http://codex.wordpress.org/Backing_Up_Your_Database ).

But you have NOT backed up the files and folders – such as images, because phpMyAdmin can not handle large databases. As you follow the link above it will show the way using Straight MySQL Commands…
Cause i ‘m using the same domain and folders directories, so i just backup the image using FTP software to direct transfer the image files ( under the => wp-content/uploads/2008/08/.. ) in my hard drive.

After this, back to cpanel again, in mysql database manager, delete the database have been backup. Once database delete (uninstall), log in fantastico (icon) under your cpanel, (it should comes together with cpanel and your hosting account), re install it again, with fantastico, you don’t have to install the wordpress and setup your database manually, it configure everything for you automatic.

Wordpress has been successfully installed, go to mysql database manager and import all those backup files, you can refer the steps from wordpress.org support center
(http://codex.wordpress.org/Restoring_Your_Database_From_Backup)

Last, upload all my images from hard drive to wordpress blog under “wp-content/uploads/2008/08″
That’s all.

Anyone have better way to backup the database ?

Really appreciated if you can share with us , thanks lot!

Have a nice day!