MySql Question - Database Backup

[Crouse]

Okay.... I have like 4 mysql servers running from my computer that serves up web pages.

My questions is this.

I use Webmin to get to the MySql server page. ..... click a server and use the "backup database" tab to do a backup of said database.............. does the mysql server need to be offline or does it not matter on backups. I know that changing an ACTIVE server's tables and data can cause problems if not disconnected from outside input..... (IE: TIMO's latest database problems)

I know that phpbb2 has an option to stop all mysql database access..... but for a simple backup that isn't actually "acessing" the data is that even needed??

TIA ---- Crouse

[Mntsnow]

It's always best to do a backup "offline". That being said I will go on to say if your db is small enough and you do it when it's not being actively access by a visitor to your website you will be just fine and still get a clean backup.

Where the problem came into play at Scott's place is he was running updates(ie changes) to the database while it was live...Thus he had users actively accessing tables and data while he was trying to alter them...that as you can see if a recipe for disaster.

[Crouse]

yeah.......... kind of what I thought. Not being a Mysql guru or anything, thought it best to ask. From now on I will "disable" forum access while doing all backups..... I don't want the headaches of rebuilding a mysql database from backups unless it's necc.

Thanks mntsnow :D