If you own a vBulletin forum like I do, you should be aware that the forum software has a way to download full sql backups from the admin panel. But you should always check to see if the database is completed. After you download your backup, open it with notepad or any other software you use and look at the very bottom of the sql database, it should say something like Complete vBulletin Database.

If you get the above message you should know that it is complete. If it just cuts off it just means the php file that triggers the backup isn’t getting executed for enough time. You can contact your host an ask them to make the php load time a bit higher or you can download the database piece by piece. Usually 2 to 3 pieces will do. Or you can do directly to php my admin and do it from there. But make sure you have a complete database before something happens and you regret it.

Filed under: Webmaster