Restoring a XAMPP Project from Backup

Restoring a XAMPP Project from Backup recreates both the website files and the MySQL database. Work from a copy of the backup so the original remains unchanged.

Restore project files

1. Install and test XAMPP.
2. Stop Apache and MySQL before replacing project files.
3. Copy the backed-up project folder into htdocs.
4. Confirm the folder contains the expected entry page and assets.
5. Start Apache and open the project through localhost.

Restore the database

1. Start Apache and MySQL.
2. Open http://localhost/phpmyadmin/.
3. Create the database name expected by the project, using utf8mb4.
4. Select the new database and choose Import.
5. Choose the backed-up .sql file.
6. Complete the import and inspect tables and fictional records.

If the SQL export already creates and selects the database, read it before creating another database manually.

Check configuration

Confirm the PDO connection file uses the restored database name and the local XAMPP credentials approved for class. Do not expose credentials in screenshots or public repositories.

Verify the restoration

Test:

• public entry page
• registration with a fictional user
• login and logout
• role-protected pages
• database queries and processed outputs
• administrator CSV import with a small fictional file

A page loading is not enough; confirm that database changes persist.

Check

• Files are inside the correct htdocs project folder.
• SQL import completes without unresolved errors.
• PDO connects to the restored database.
• Authentication and role checks work.
• Imported and processed data matches expected fictional results.
• Original backup remains unchanged.