How to take a database backup from phpmyadmin?

[XYZ500]

I am about to change hosts. I want to take a complete backup of the forum so I can restore it on the new host. I can simple copy all the website files, thats easy. But taking the mySQL database backup is difficult. How can I go about doing so in phpmyadmin?

[Dave]

There should be an "Export" button in PHPMyAdmin, you use that to export the database.
You can also do it on SSH which is easier and has no limitations. With PHPMyAdmin there may be size limits and time-outs.

[Lynne]

Dave is correct in that if you have a large database and use phpMyAdmin to back it up, it could time out (and you may not know it!). So, if you do use phpMyAdmin, make sure to then create a new database and import it there. Then point a test site at this database to verify it is all there (or check the tables and make sure they are all there).

The best way to take a database backup is via ssh.

From the manual:
Backing Up The Database via SSH/Telnet (https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_ssh_backup) or
Backing Up The Database via phpMyAdmin (https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/maintenance_phpmyadmin_backup)