How to Restore MySQL Database Without Backup File

MySQL is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed and managed by Oracle. It is based on the structured query language and runs on all platforms, including Linux, UNIX and Windows. It includes all the user’s data, whether they are professionals, from organizations, or single users. In addition, it allows you to handle, store, modify and delete data and store it in an organized way so that they can access it whenever needed. It also has an inbuilt utility named Mysqldump, which allows users to generate the logical backup of the MySQL database. Although, it contains multiple features and functions, it has always been recommended to take the backup of the MySQL database to overcome the chances of data loss.

In some cases, users reported that their MySQL database data is lost due to accident deletion, system shutdown, network failure, and other reasons. On the other hand, they could also not restore MySQL database data because they didn’t have a backup of database files. Before moving to the solution part to restore MySQL database without files, let’s know the importance of backing up your MySQL database files.

Importance of Backup your MySQL Database

• By backing up your MySQL database files, you can overcome the possibility of unauthorized access to your mailbox data.
• Once you have a MySQL backup of the database, you can restore the MySQL database when you have emergencies.
• When someone has a backup, they can efficiently perform the restoration process whenever needed.
• Your data is more secure and protected if you regularly download or back up MySQL database files.

Now, you are familiar with and know the need to take backup of MySQL database files. Hence, try to back up your MySQL database regularly. However, you can also repair MySQL database without a backup plan; go through the below methods.

Best Methods to Restore MySQL Database Without Backup file

Restoring the lost data from the backup into the MySQL database is easy for users. But if you don’t have the backup file of the MySQL database, then you may be stuck during the process. Here are a few native solutions that may help you to repair the MySQL database without a backup.

Also Read: How to restore master database in SQL Server without backup

Method 1: Restore MySQL database Using Mysqldump Utility

Mysqldump is a built-in utility of MySQL database that helps users to take a backup of your database and restore it to a remote database at a time. Using the single ‘mysql’ command, you can restore the entire database files.

Following the syntax:

backup: # mysqldump -u root -p[root_password] [database_name] > dumpfilename.sql

However, if you want to restore your database, then enter this command:

restore: # mysql -u root -p[root_password] [database_name] < dumpfilename.sql

Please make sure the entered details are correct; once it is scanned, the restoration process will begin.

cp -R /var/lib/mysql/* /opt/database_name/backup-file/

Method 2:- Create a Backup of a Single Table

You can also back up the single database table using the Mysqldump utility. Following is the command to create a backup:

mysqldump -u [username] –p [password] -h [host] [databaseName] [tableName] > [backup-name].sql

You can set a password on the backup file to protect it from unauthorized access.

Method 3: Use the MySQL Client or an OUTFILE Statement to take the Backup of the Single Table

Suppose you do not want to stop the work you are performing with the MySQL database, and at the same time, you also want to repair MySQL Database without the backup file. Thus, it is a recommendation to lock the table temporarily by following the below command:

LOCK TABLES tableName READ;

Execute the following command to perform a LOCK TABLES on the database:

mysql -u [username] –p [password] -h [host]

Once you lock the file with the password and enter the required credentials, you will be redirected to the MySQL client prompt.

USE databasename;

LOCK TABLES tablename READ;

FLUSH TABLES;

In the MySQL client prompt screen, try to use the  SELECT * INTO OUTFILE statement. Follow the command entered here:

SELECT * INTO OUTFILE ‘file_name’ FROM tbl_name;

Now, we take the backup of the database table and follow the command:

USE databasename;

LOCK TABLES Tablename READ;

FLUSH TABLES;

SELECT * INTO OUTFILE ‘databasetableBackup.sql’ FROM tablename;

UNLOCK TABLES;

Once you perform the backup operation, sign in to the MySQL client and use the given below command:

mysql -u [username] –p [password] -h [host]

UNLOCK TABLES;

By performing this command, your database is returned to the normal stage.

You can repair corrupt MySQL database files using the above methods without the Backup file. However, it does not give you the appropriate result in some scenarios. So, we advise you to use the professional utility that allows users to restore MySQL databases without files.

A Professional Solution to Restore/Repair MySQL Database Without Backup file

DRS SQL Database Recovery Software is an efficient enough utility to restore or repair MySQL databases without a backup plan. It allows users to recover all the data from corrupt MySQL database files(.idb and .frm) and restore them to a database or in the script. In addition, the software supports all versions of MySQL database between 5.5.27 to 5.7.36.

Simple Steps to Repair MySQL Database Without the Backup file

1. Download & Install MySQL Database Recovery Tool.
2. Click the Open button to select the MySQL Databases files.
3. Here, you can also set the path for the log file.
4. The software shows you the recovered database data.
5. Select the folders that you want and click on the save MySQL data.
6. Choose the option save in the database or save as script.
7. Click the Ok button to finish the recovery process.

Conclusion

By reading this blog, you will get a complete overview of MySQL database files and the need to back them up. Here, we also mentioned the best manual methods that help you to restore/repair MySQL databases without a backup file. However, if the manual methods are not reliable for you, try the professional utility and restore all the data from the corrupt or damaged MySQL database files.