Certain graphical elements in this forum (such as user's avatars and file attachments) are actually stored in the database instead of in the file system. Is there a way to back these up along with the database? For example, when I make an sql dump file, it obviously doesn't export these elements.

(she's using mysqldump)
take a look at
http://www2.yo-linux.com/cgi-bin/man...opic=mysqldump

mysqldump? you know, vBulletin has an integrated backup system that automatically backs up attachements and images. Also, why not use phpMyAdmin? I use it and find it tons helpful in backing things up (although I prefer using vBulletin's method better)

MGM out

I've since got it to work via mysqldump. I've found that phpMyAdmin isn't very reliable and often times out when dumping a large database. In addition, I needed a cli command because I wanted to make it into a cron job for automatic nightly database back-up.

Thanks for your help

i wouldnt suggest using vb's mysql dump feature either


ive used the ssh mysql dumb quite a fewq times just fine

mysqldump --opt -uUSERNAME -pPASSWORD databasname > /path/to/dump.sql

i honestly never had a problem with it


vb also has a specific table backup if you backup the full DB, anything store in the DB will be backuped as well

Faranth, I use the same command as you without the --opt - what does that do?

yes, in testing my forums on my private server, ive used ssh and ran a command like that, and what cscgal said, whats --opt????

MGM out

RTFM ;-) From the man page linked above:

vb3 lets you store the attachments and avatars on the file system rather then database system. You might want to look into this

In any case, I was able to get the problem fixed now. I was having a hard time saving binary representing the graphics, etc into the mysql dump. All fixed Sorry for not notifying everyone. I forgot all about this thread.