Importing larger MySQL files (.sql)

phpMyAdmin can't always read large .sql files in one go. If the import fails, you have the following options, from easy to more difficult.

Try this first: importing in DirectAdmin

In DirectAdmin, go to MySQL Management, click Manage next to the database and under Database Operations choose Import. Select your .sql or .sql.gz file and click YES. Want to empty the database completely first? Then turn on Clean Database.

Didn't work?

• Compress the file. As .sql.gz, a .sql file is often five to ten times smaller. DirectAdmin and phpMyAdmin read .gz files directly. On your computer you can create a .gz with, for example, 7-Zip (Windows) or with gzip bestand.sql (Mac and Linux).
• Import in parts. Export the large tables separately at your old provider, or split the file with a program that splits SQL files. Then import the parts one by one, in the right order.
• Use the Terminal. Does your package include SSH or the Terminal? Then upload the file to the main folder of your package (not in public_html) and import it with mysql -u gebruiker -p databasenaam < bestand.sql. There's no maximum size there. See SSH access and the Terminal in DirectAdmin.
• Ask us. Still not working? Create a ticket. Put the file in the main folder of your package and mention the file name and the database.

See also in the DirectAdmin manual: Opening and using phpMyAdmin.

Detailed explanation with screenshots: Importing a database, including large files in the DirectAdmin manual.