shell access via telnet or ssh

I was going to save my database and switch it to a new server. I contacted vbulletin as to which way was best.

They told me shell access via telnet or ssh. I have this shared account that expires so this is why I want to transfer. I cannt contact my host so I do not no how to access this. Does anyone have any idea on how I would go about doing this. And what other methods would be best if it's not possible. Like if I use phpmyadmin, which options do I select when I backup the database, etc?

Thanks

They allow open telnet? Er... no wonder people are leaving them.

If they are telling you to ssh in and handle your (mysql) backups manually... just do that.

I was contacted by vB to use this putty program to try to get access. But it appears it doesn't when I went through the steps correct? Any other way, or what would be the best method in phpmyadmin. When I click export, which selections should I tick/check...

If you are going to start from scratch the defaults should be fine. Click the "save as file" option . A download window will kick in. That should save your database as it is in real time. I have never been to the point where I needed to experiment with Compression, but if you have a large database you might want to wait for thoughts on compression.

Side note. You might also want to do a second backup downlod and check the oprions under structure for "Add DROP TABLE" and Add "IF NOT EXISTS"

If the first doesn't work the second one should.

Thanks, anyone else have any suggestions?

To Dump mysql - ensure you have selected all tables - and just to err on the side of caution - select complete inserts and extended inserts.

Ask your new host to import your mysql dump via root - test to ensure all your data has been migrated properly - then yu can cancel your old hosting account....

Hope this helps...