MySQL Recovery Kit - Online help

MySQL Recovery Kit (Download) is a compact, easy to use and highly efficient tool that will help you recover data from a damaged MySQL database in minutes. The program supports MyISAM and CSV database formats and can save the resulting database either as a script to a specified location or directly to MySQL server. Created as a multi-step wizard, the interface of the program requires a few seconds to understand and get used to, while its simplicity enables users with minimal computer skills to restore MySQL databases of any size and complexity. All you need to do is to follow clear and straightforward on-screen instructions and proceed to the following step of the process until your data is successfully recovered. This guide contains a detailed overview of the recovery process and the steps you need to take to restore data from a corrupted database file. Please refer to this document prior to using the program or contacting technical support with an issue report.

MySQL database recovery

1. Selection of a damaged database file

The first step allows you to specify the damaged database file you want to restore. This can be done in a number of ways. To select a damaged database, type its name and path into the input field located in the center of the program window or use the standard Windows open file dialog. You can also select one of the previously used databases from the dropdown list that can be opened by clicking a small button with a downward arrow in the right part of the input field. Once you're done entering the database name, you can proceed to the next step by clicking the Next button at the bottom of the window.

2. Overview of the database structure

On the second step of the recovery process, the program displays the structure of the database being analyzed, showing the data and the SQL query forming each table - names of columns, their type, size and default values. The left pane allows you to select and deselect tables and views for convenient navigation through the database structure. You can also check/uncheck items on the list using the Select All / Deselect All commands from the popup menu that appears when you right-click anywhere on the list in the left pane. Once you've reviewed the structure of the file to be recovered, click Next to proceed to the next step.

3. Saving the recovered data

Step 3 allows you to specify the output location and the way the data will be saved. Two options are possible here: saving the database as a script or exporting the database directly to MySQL Server. If you choose the first option, you must enter a new name for the database being recovered and specify the location of the target folder. Similarly to specifying the location of the damaged database on Step 1, this selection can be made in one of the three ways (see above). If you decide to export the recovered database directly to MySQL Server, you will need to configure the server connection settings - specify the host name (localhost by default), your username and password. Once these parameters have been entered, you can test the connection using the Test connection button located on the server connection settings form. Once you have configured the output location settings, you can click the Recover button at the bottom of the program window to start the actual recovery process. Please note that the DEMO version of the program enables you to VIEW recoverable data ONLY, but NOT RESTORE them. To remove this limitation, please purchase the full version of the program.

The current recovery process and log will be shown on the last step of the wizard. Once finished, you can quit the program by clicking the Exit button or go back to the file selection step using the Back button.