Manage MySQL Database on Windows-Based Hosting

This article explains how to manage MySQL databases on Windows-based hosting. It outlines when manual database creation is required and provides instructions for creating databases, accessing them through phpMyAdmin, and performing import and export operations. 

 

When do you need to create a database manually 

In most cases, databases are automatically created and configured during the installation of applications such as WordPress and Joomla. However, certain scenarios require manual database setup and management. 

You need to create a database manually in the following scenarios: 

• The application or website does not provide an automated database setup during installation (for example, a manual WordPress setup).  
• The website requires a database to be restored, imported, or rebuilt from an existing backup (for example, during a WordPress migration). 

 

Create a MySQL database manually 

Follow these steps to create a MySQL database in Plesk: 

1. Log in to your Plesk.  
2. On the left side of your Plesk panel, click on Databases. 
3. On the next screen, click Add Database.  
4. Enter a Database name.  
5. In the Database server field, select default for MariaDB. 
6. Select a domain in the Related site field. 
7. Check the Create a database user tick box.  
8. Enter a Database user name.  
9. Enter a database password. 
10. Check the User has access to all databases tick box. 
11. Click on the Create Database button to save the changes. 

 

Access database using phpMyAdmin 

To manage your database through phpMyAdmin: 

1. In your Plesk panel, click Databases on the left side. 
2. Click the database you want to manage to see more options. 
3. Click phpMyAdmin. This opens the phpMyAdmin tool. 
4. On the left side, click the database that you want to manage. 

Here, you'll see your database content. 

 

Import a database 

To import an existing database file: 

1. Go to your phpMyAdmin. 
2. On the left side, click on the empty database that you want the backup database file imported. 
3. Click on the Import tab. 
4. Click Choose File and select the database backup file on your computer. 
5. Once done, scroll down and click on Import. 

There you go, you can now use the database to your website. 

 

Export a database 

To create a backup of your database: 

1. In your phpMyAdmin, click on the database that you want to export. 
2. Click on the Export tab. 
3. Keep the format in SQL. 
4. Click on Export. 

Your database file is now downloaded on your local computer.