How do I back up my database?

[Sarchi]

We're in the middle of a migration from phpBB 2.0 to vBulletin 3.6.8.

It appears that I have to decouple the cpg tables from my database in order to import the forum data into Impex, the coversion tool.  Impex doesn't like seeing the cpg tables when it is trying to store phpBB stuff.  (right now I have everything in one database, using bridge manager etc)

I'm having trouble just making a copy of my database, which is mySQL4 and about 2GB in size.  I've tried phpmyAdmin, mysqlhotcopy, mysqldump, nothing seems to work.  Might be auth issues, I'm not sure.  I can't find anywhere in Coppermine to back up the data.... can anyone help?!?

I think once I've done that I can manage to delete the cpg tables and proceed with the migration.

[Nibbler]

Dump the tables from the command line. If you have a 2GB database you must surely be on a dedicated server.

[Sarchi]

Yeah I'm on a virtual dedicated at godaddy.

Can you point me to the right syntax to use?  It's MySQL4 on Linux.  Probably ISAM, but I'm not sure.

[Joachim Müller]

Why don't you read the corresponding documentation: MySQL 3.23, 4.0, 4.1 Reference Manual :: 8 Client and Utility Programs :: 8.12 mysqldump — A Database Backup Program