How do I backup and Restore the database?

[donm]

I want to use the AbleCommerce Data Client Utility Beta .19 to upload products to the database.

There is a warning to Backup the Database Fist.

Where is the database? How do I back it up? How do i restore it if there is a problem?

Thank you.

[jdpatterson74]

Here are the instructions I wrote myself so I would not forget......it may not be completely clear....but it works for me. Any specific questions, I can guide you thru it.

Created a new database (SQL2005 - SQL Server Management Studio)

Backup the database I am interested in.
Changed Backup set name - "oldbackup"
Removed all locations and add a new location
Performed a Full Backup

Selected new database
Restored....Database
To: New Database
From: oldbackup.bak
Selected backup set to restore

Overwrite the exiting database option
Restore the database files as:
Changed "restore as" new_name.mdf
Changed "restore as" new_name_log.ltf

Backed up the new file created from the restore.

Uploaded the new file to my host server.

Restored the file into my host database.

[donm]

Thank you for the reply.

However, I don't know how to do anything you mentioned. This is a new site which is not yet live. We are not using an external SQL database.

Where do I find the Database to backup? Can I find it through the dashboard? through FTP? if so in what directory?

Thanks Don

[jdpatterson74]

Do you have SQL 2005 Server and SQL Management Studios?

SQL 2005 Server : http://www.microsoft.com/express/sql/default.aspx

SQL Management Studios : http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

Visual Web Developer : http://www.microsoft.com/express/vwd/Default.aspx

Check the operating system is correct....

[jmestep]

Here is an alternate way if your database is with a shared hoster and you can't do it from within SQL itself. Download and install the free MS Database publishing wizard:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

Follow the steps below. You can restore the database from the file. If your hoster has the database really, really locked down (one of ours is), you can't get there from here. They will have to back it up for you.

DBPW.gif

DBW2.gif

[jmestep]

Here's last image

DBW4.gif

[sohaib]

Very useful info!!
Should go to 'Good Reference Posts' and Ablecommerce WIKI

[jmestep]

Drundo.net told me about it because they don't allow backups directly from the database. We also used it to transfer two Able 5.5 stores to them from another hoster.

[donm]

Thank you for the help.

Don