How do I import or restore a Database backup with Plesk? Print

Database backups are often referred to as any of the following three names. They are interchangeable: Export, Backup, or a Dump. Complete the following steps to restore your database backup from a dump file. Database dump files typically end with .sql or has sql near the end of the filename.

Preparation

• Log in to Plesk and choose the Databases button. If presented with a list of domains, choose your domain in the list. If you don't see your domain, be sure you have the correct subscription selected in the upper right hand corner.
• If you are importing this backup to a new database, click on "Add New Database" then add a database and associated new username and password. Make sure you keep the database name, username and password handy. If you are importing this backup to an existing database and overwriting its contents, identify the correct database in the list at this time.

[Option 1] Use the Plesk Import Utility

1. Under the database you wish to import to, choose the "Import Dump" button
2. If the database file you'll be importing is on your computer, click "Choose File" and select the database file. If the database file was saved to the server only or has already been uploaded to the server, choose "Import" then navigate to and select the database dump file to import it
3. The option to 'recreate database' will erase everything in the database on the server before importing the content. If you're importing to an existing database in Plesk, be careful with this option! If you're importing to a new database, this option should be irrelevant as your database is already empty.

[Option 2] Use phpMyAdmin

1. Choose the "DB Web Admin" or "WebAdmin" button to load phpMyAdmin. If nothing happens, ensure your browser is not blocking popups for the page (each browser is different so, if you don't know how to do this, please search Google for information on disabling your pop-up blocker for your browser)
2. If you see the name of your database on the left, click on it to select it. If not, then it is likely already selected by default
3. If there is an "Import" tab along the top, click that. If you do not see "Import", click on "SQL" and then the Import tab
4. Click on the browse button near the bottom to select the db dump on your computer. The rest of the settings can normally remain at their defaults. Choose OK or GO.

Troubleshooting

I've imported my database, but my website says it can't find it

If you were unable to use the same database name, username, or password when you created the database in Plesk, then you will need to adjust the configuration of your web application that is using the database to ensure it contains the new database connection details. Look in your application's files for a configuration or config file (PHP apps often use config.php for example) and update the database connection details found within to the new database name, Username and Password.

Common App Config File Locations:

• WordPress: wp-config.php
• Joomla: configuration.php
• Magento: app\etc\local.xml

If your app isn't in the list, do a Google search or check their documentation!

I get redirect errors or my site attempts to redirect to the old domain

If you have changed the domain / website URL, you will need to find and replace all instances of the old URL with the new one within the database. Learn how to do that with WordPress.

I get an error during import saying tables already exist

If you receive error #1007 or any notice indicating the database already exists, open the .sql dump on your computer with a text editor (notepad for example) and remove the line near the beginning of the file that starts with "CREATE DATABASE" then try importing it again.

I get an error not described here...

Please open a support request that describes what you have attempted and at which step you have encountered a problem. It is suggested that you upload the database file to the root folder using either the Plesk File Manager or FTP and send us the filename, indicating that it's been uploaded to the root. If we have to manually import your database, it will make the process much faster.