Backup question

[kelpie47]

I'm trying my first back up of EE and have become confused.

The backup options ask if I want to back up to another database and/or a file. In the pop-up for selecting a target database the only option is my current EE database (the source), I assume this is not good practice, is it even possible?, so how do I add another database to that list?
I did a back up to file, what are the relative merits of each backup - file or db? Should I do both? Should I download something from the server in case of server failure?

Thanks for any help.

[CappuccinoDavid]

Yes I would like to hear this one...

[Pekka]

To have more databases you need to have them installed and set up for you in your server.

The database backup is meant for really fast restore, e.g. when you are trying out things when developing. File backup is slower to restore but lets you download the file, and you should always download it, when server crashes or hard disk fails that backup is your only hope.

The multiple databases on the list means you can backup several databases with same installation of EE backup. Whenever you backup to database, two tables are created which hold the backup data. If you have lots of database backup sets on one database it may be wiser to have a separate database for them, as lots of backup data will slow server-side database backups of the main database.

Do backups!

[kelpie47]

Thanks, Pekka,

I have two db on the server, one which EE uses and another empty one I was going to use as a back up, however, the second one doesn't show in the drop down list for target databases, how do I get it to show?

Thanks.

[wkitty42]

I have two db on the server, one which EE uses and another empty one I was going to use as a back up, however, the second one doesn't show in the drop down list for target databases, how do I get it to show?

you have to edit the backup preferences file...

input/backup/ee_backup_prefs/preferences.php

i have three listed in mine... one is even on another server located offsite...

[kelpie47]

you have to edit the backup preferences file...

input/backup/ee_backup_prefs/preferences.php

i have three listed in mine... one is even on another server located offsite...


OK, excuse my ignorance but how do I add the second db?

I have this line, what is the syntax for a second db?

connect_menu ("localhost", "db1name", "db1userid", "db1password", "size" );

Thanks

[MikeCaine]

I was wondering that,but just duplicating the line you mentioned and altering it to suit your backup database seems to work OK

[MikeCaine]

I've just tried it - the original gallery seems to have 59 tables and the backup gallery has just the 2 tables. Is this correct?

[Pekka]

I've just tried it - the original gallery seems to have 59 tables and the backup gallery has just the 2 tables. Is this correct?

If you mean that tables ee_backup and ee_backup_info were created then yes.

If you mean you have only 2 tables when you view database backup set then no. Check that you select (inverse color) all tables on left side list before hitting back up command.

[MikeCaine]

If you mean that tables ee_backup and ee_backup_info were created then yes.

Yes, that's what I have.

I guess I was expecting the backup database to be an exact copy of the live database.