[TheLastSuperman]

OR simply rename the table - https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0...ame-table.html

This way its never deleted until you're 100% sure its not required, this also alleviates the need to re-import any single tables or for those not as experienced forgo the complete database restoration.

I always try to remember now-a-days to let others know to change first before deleting, same with old folders and files when cleaning up your server/ftp etc you CHMOD them to 000 instead of deleting, refresh the forum then navigate and check if no issues then delete the folders/files - if an error redo CHMOD and everything is back to normal. By simply changing first instead of deleting, it can save those not up to par on the process a mighty big migraine! So as we can see, for those who don't run backups on a normal basis or who might be frequenting this thread about to delete something before backing it up (database and/or files as well) that you could change it first to ensure its not needed, then delete if not required .