>From http://dev.mysql.com/doc/mysql/en/backup.html "Do a full backup of your database: ... shell> mysqlhotcopy db_name /path/to/some/dir You can also simply copy all table files (*.frm, *.MYD, and *.MYI files) as long as the server isn't updating anything. The mysqlhotcopy script uses this method. (But note that these methods do not work if your database contains InnoDB tables. InnoDB does not store table contents in database directories, and mysqlhotcopy works only for MyISAM and ISAM tables.) " I suggested mysqlhotcopy because it may have some options that make it easier for you, depending on your situation. But copying the raw files will work just as well.