[BigJohnny]

im pretty sure there is also an option to store all of the attachments and avatars(seperate options) in the file system instead of the database.

again, not sure if this is an option or a manual task or both.

im sorry im not much help, i know the stuff is there, but i dont use those options and dont really remember where exactly they are located

i belive it is both an option, and a task you can do manually to move the attachments and avatars out of the database and into the file system so you could back them up.

there are also some options you can access through debug mode as to how and where they are stored..... but these are not to be toyed with until you know whats going on, or have some professional help.