MySQL: How to Restore Database?
There are several ways to restore a MySQL database, and the method you choose depends on factors such as the backup format, the database size, and the specific requirements of your setup.
The sections below show different ways of restoring a MySQL database.
Method 1: Restore All Databases in MySQL
The mysqldump utility allows you to restore a single database or all databases on the server in bulk. To restore all databases in MySQL, use the mysql command-line tool with an SQL dump file that contains the structure and data for all databases.
Follow the steps below:
1)Note the location of your SQL dump file containing the structure and data for all databases.
2)Use the mysql command to restore the dump file. The syntax is:
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mysql -u username -p < backup.sql |
- Replace username with your MySQL username.
- Replace backup.sql with the path to your SQL dump file.
For example:
The command reads the SQL commands from the dump file and executes them to recreate all the databases.
After running the above command, MySQL prompts you for the password. Provide it and press Enter to confirm. It may take a long time to restore the databases if the SQL dump file is large. Also, ensure you have sufficient privileges to create databases and tables.
Method 2: Restore MySQL Database Using phpMyAdmin
phpMyAdmin is a popular web-based administration tool for MySQL. It is a convenient option for smaller databases. However, other methods like command-line tools or MySQL clients are more suitable for larger databases or when you need more control over the restoration process.
Follow the steps below to restore a MySQL database using phpMyAdmin.
1. Clear Old Database Information
It’s important to clear old data before restoring a backup. If there is old data, it isn’t overwritten when you restore the backup, causing duplicate tables, errors, and conflicts.
1)Open phpMyAdmin, and from the navigation pane on the left, choose the database you want to restore.
2)Select the Check all box near the bottom and click the Drop button to clear the old data.
3)The tool prompts if you want to proceed. Click Yes.
The process removes the existing data, clearing the way for restoring the database.
2. Restore Database Information
In phpMyAdmin, use the Import tool to restore a database.
1)In the top menu, click Import.
2)The first section is labeled File to import. A couple of lines down, there’s a button labeled Browse…. Click the button and find the backup file.
3)Use the dialog box to find the export file you want to restore. Leave all the options set to default. If you created your backup with different options, you can select them here.
4)Click Go to start the process.
The program outputs the details and states whether the restore has been completed successfully.
Note: Depending on the server configuration, there are limitations on the file size you can upload through phpMyAdmin. If your SQL dump file is too large, consider using other methods like the command line or breaking the file into smaller parts. Additionally, if the restoration process takes a long time, it could be interrupted because the PHP web server has timeout limits.
Method 3: Restore a Specific Table in MySQL Database
To restore a specific table in MySQL, you can use the mysql command-line tool or a MySQL graphical user interface like MySQL Workbench. For this section, we will use the command line.
Assuming you have an SQL dump file that contains the specific table you want to restore, use the following syntax:
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mysql -u username -p dbname < backup.sql |
- Replace username with your MySQL username.
- dbname is your database name.
- Replace backup.sql with the path to your SQL dump file.
To restore a specific table from the dump file, use the –tables option along with the mysql command:
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mysql -u username -p dbname --tables table_name < backup.sql |
Replace table_name with the name of the specific table you want to restore.
Method 4: Restore MySQL Database Using Workbench
MySQL Workbench is a graphical tool that provides a user-friendly interface for managing MySQL databases. You can use it to restore a database from a backup file. Keep in mind that the exact steps and options may vary depending on the program version. If you encounter any issues, consult the documentation for your specific version.
Follow the steps below to restore a database using the MySQL Workbench:
1)Launch MySQL Workbench and connect to your MySQL server.
2)In the Navigator panel on the left, under Management, click the Data Import/Restore option.
3)In the Data Import window, choose the source of your backup data. Depending on your backup type, keep the selected Dump Project folder option or select the Import from Self-Contained File. Click the three dots (…) to find the SQL dump file or folder you want to restore.
The Import Options section allows you to configure various options such as target schema, specific objects to import, etc.
4)After configuring the import options, click the Start Import button to begin the restoration process.
MySQL Workbench displays the restore operation progress. You can monitor the status, and any errors or warnings will be shown in the log.
Method 5: Restore Database Using Binary Logs
Restoring a MySQL database using binary logs involves replaying the sequence of events recorded in the binary log files to bring the database to a specific point in time. It is typically used for point-in-time recovery or for restoring data after a specific event.
Use the mysqlbinlog utility to apply the binary logs and restore a database to the desired point in time. Follow the steps below:
Note: Before proceeding with the restoration, it’s a good practice to create a backup of the existing database in case something goes wrong.
1)Open the terminal and use the following syntax to apply the binary logs and restore the database:
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mysqlbinlog mysql-bin.xxxxxx | mysql -u username -p |
- Replace mysql-bin.xxxxxx with the path to the binary log file.
- The username is your MySQL username.
Enter your MySQL password and wait for the process to complete.
2)Restart the MySQL Server by running:
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sudo service mysql restart |
The restoration is now complete, and you can continue using the server.