---
title: "Using the Backup/Restore option in OpenCart 1.5"
description: "OpenCart has an option available to easily perform Backups and Restorations of your OpenCart database in the Dashboard. We recommend maintaining your own regular backups, so you can recover your..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/opencart/opencart-backup-restore/
date: 2013-11-19
modified: 2023-12-22
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["OpenCart"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Using the Backup/Restore option in OpenCart 1.5

OpenCart has an option available to easily perform **Backups** and **Restorations** of your *OpenCart database* in the Dashboard. We recommend maintaining your own regular backups, so you can recover your website in case of emergencies. In this guide we will walk you through the backup and restore process in OpenCart 1.5.

## Perform a Backup:

1. [Login to the the OpenCart Dashboard](/support/).
2. Roll your mouse over *System*, and click **Backup/Restore**.
3. Select the *tables* that you want to backup, you have the option to *Select All*.
4. Click the **Backup** button. [![complete opencart backup](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_backup-all-opencart.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_backup-all-opencart.png) You will then be prompted to download the backup in a *.sql* format, this will differ depending on your browser. In my tests, I am using Chrome and downloads are listed on the bottom of the screen: [![chrome download](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_sql-backup-file-chrome.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_sql-backup-file-chrome.png)
5. Save this file for emergency recovery, I recommend using an external hard drive, or CD/DVD.

## Perform a Restoration:

1. [Login to the OpenCart Dashboard](/support/).
2. Roll your mouse over *System*, and click **Backup/Restore**.
3. In the *Restore Backup* section, click **Choose File**, and select your backup. [![selecting backup file](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_choose-backup.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_choose-backup.png)
4. Click the **Restore** button, and it will restore your database. The time frame will differ, since large files will take longer. You will then see a message stating “Success: You have successfully imported your database!” [![database imported](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_successful-db-import.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/opencart_successful-db-import.png)

Congratulations, now you know how to perform a **Backup** and **Restoration** from the OpenCart 1.5 Dashboard!