How to Back-up a SQL Database
Open phpMyAdmin from your control panel. The link to open phpMyAdmin may be located on the main page of your control panel or it may be included as a link at the bottom of the database listing page.
When you first open phpMyAdmin you will see something that looks like the image on the left and if you use the dropdown box you will see something like the image on the right. Note that both of the images are slightly edited for privacy reasons.
Simply select the database you want to work with by clicking on the name. This will open the database and you should see something like the image below.
Click on the button named export. This will open a window where you can export the database. Make sure the SQL button is selected on the left and then set the proper format for the Structure and Data. Since this database is a backup that will be used to fully restore the existing database if need be the additional options Add DROP TABLE / DROP VIEW and Add IF NOT EXISTS have been checked.
The best place to save your back up is on your local computer. Simply name the file and choose the method of compression you desire if any.
Routine and regular backups should include some numbering or date system to clearly identify them. Very small databases do not need to be compressed. Then you simply click on the GO button and wait for the server to handle your request. You should then be prompted for a location on your computer where you want to save the file just like you are downloading a file from any other site.
Simply save it where you can find it later. For temporary back-ups the Desktop is my preferred location. Regular site backups should be stored in a designated folder.
That is all there is to backing up a MySQL database.