Overview
The "Backup Entire Database" function in LimeSurvey enables users to export all application data, including surveys, participant information, and responses, as a .sql file that the browser prompts you to save. This feature is accessible through the Configuration menu.
Primary Use Cases
Use this backup before transferring LimeSurvey to another server or upgrading manually (without ComfortUpdate), or as a security measure when making code or configuration changes.
Note on ComfortUpdate: If you use LimeSurvey's ComfortUpdate service, the system automatically generates database backups in a temporary folder on the server, eliminating the need for manual backup during updates.
Related Resources
Related Articles
Introduction
General Advanced is the first menu under Configuration located in the top navigation bar of the home page. The functionality here can be used to change survey themes, add/edit label sets, check for data consistency, and do a backup of your database. ...
Overview - Configuration Tab
General The Configuration tab contains three primary menus: Advanced, Users, and Settings. Advanced Menu This section lets you change survey themes, edit label sets, check data consistency, and back up the database. The available options are: Themes ...
ComfortUpdate
ComfortUpdate is a professional service from LimeSurvey GmbH for updating LimeSurvey from the browser, with no manual file replacement. ComfortUpdate is only for supported self-hosted LimeSurvey installations. It is not used for LimeSurvey Cloud — ...
Home Page Settings
General Use the Dashboard to customize your home page: Configuration-> Settings -> Dashboard Besides editing home page settings, new boxes (for different user groups) can be created to facilitate the management of your LimeSurvey installation. ...
Menu configuration (classic admin)
The classic admin interface lets each administrator personalize the survey menus — the sidebars and bars shown around a survey's classic settings screens. You can rearrange the default menus, build a menu for a specific survey, and add or edit the ...