How to make Scheduled MySQL database backups using Windows

Had a bit of a hair raising issue the other morning with database problems. So I decided to write this post: There are a number of other options some paid, some free. But this is a free solution and works using free software that anyone can download. The more commercial software allows you to manage multiple databases easily, but if you need to backup your database on a budget or you only have a small number of databases on the same server then this will suit you fine. When I get round to it, I will write this tutorial for Linux.

Also this article assumes you will have your machine switched on when you set the scheduled backup to run.

The software:

1. Download and install MySQL Administrator Tools from mysql.com: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/gui-tools/5.0.html

2. When you have installed the program, look in your start menu for the MySQL System Tray Icon - run that (if not already).

3. Right Click on the system tray icon -> Monitor Options -> Launch Monitor After Login

Setting up the MySQL Backup

1. Connect to your database using the supplied information
2. Set up the environment

Tools -> Options -> General Options

Check The Store Passwords Option
Set Password Storage Method = Obscured

Click Apply

This is so that your backup Choices can remember the details

Click Close

3. Add a stored connection. This can be done via the stored save Current connection option, but this normally doesn't work for me as the connection disappears from the folder on restart of the program. So for the sake of this tutorial we will be saving a brand new connection

Tools -> Manage Connections

Click New Connection
Under Connection - Add a name, i.e. the website name
Username: Enter the username for the database connection
Password: Enter the password for the database connection
Hostname: The hostname or IP address of your database

Click Apply and Close the dialog and then close the program. This has to be done as to schedule the backup properly you need to be logged in under a stored connection.

4. Now back at your main screen, click the backup button

5. Click New Project and the screen will become active with your database(s) on the left. - Enter a name in to the Project Name field

6. Click the database(s) you want to add to your backup by clicking on the 'greater than' arrow that points to the right - '>'and this will add the database to the backcup operation as well as all the tables within (default)

7. Once you have done this - click the Schedule Tab at the top

8. Click Schedule This Backup Project and then choose a location where your backups should be stored

9. The filename should be filled in automatically, so choose your own backup Execution options: Time, Frequency - i.e. daily, weekly...

10. Click Save Project

11. Click Execute Backup to test settings

12. Enter your windows password (if required)