how can I 'download' mySQL data to my HD?
 

I have a site that uses mySQL, the host says that they make back-ups but just to be on the safe side, how can I back up all the data which is in a mySQL table?

I'm looking for something simple and painles, like 'click here', 'press that button' and voila

Check out mysqldump, it creates a text file with everything you need to recreate your database.

Easy fix is to setup a crontab that runs this daily and emails / ftp's you a copy every day.

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/mysqldump.html

thanks checking out the site now, looks a bit scary with all the commands and shit, but I'll figure it out

the link jay posted shows a basic example of the commands

mysqldump --opt -Q -uUSERNAME -p DATABASENAME > /PATH/TO/DUMP.SQL

http://www.phpmyadmin.net/home_page/index.php

If you're not familiar with MySQL maintenence, then phpmyadmin is probably the tool for you.

ok, so I basically have two options, I can either Telnet/SSH to the server and do this manually or set a cron job and make back-ups once a week (or wahtever period I decide on)

ok, thanks guys I'll give it a try later on, and see how it works :thumbsup :thumbsup

I'd pay your host to do it for you after putting "download" in quotes.

c'mon man, looks like a piece of cake :pimp

Some people like to complicate siimple things ...

SSH ??? Telnet ?? to dump a mysql db ...

Do you have a Control Panel ( Cpanel, Exim, Plesk ). If yes, look for MySql and/or PhPmyAdmin.

If not, change host... will save you further questions like this, such as cronjobs :2 cents: