Import large databases into xampp

Large databases cannot be imported because of the limited scipt execution time. This is signaled, for example, by the message: Maximum execution time exceeded. You can increase the maximum execution time via php.ini: This is often sufficient for somewhat larger databases.

Change php.ini under xampp

xampp/php/php.ini
Search for “max_execution_time” in php.ini
You can find this setting “max_execution_time = 30” The 30 stands for 30 seconds. Simply increase, e.g. 300 seconds for 5 minutes

For really large databases, this is often not enough. The time factor of the import should also not be underestimated.

Import via the console from xampp

Open console: start xampp-control.exe. If it is not already started – just switch to the xampp console.
Use the “Shell” button to start the command prompt. Now you have to log in with your database user and password

Now enter “mysql -u root -p”. “-u” stands for the user, “root” is the username, “-p” stands for the password. Replace “root” with your username. Then click on “Enter”.
Now the prompt to enter the password appears. Enter your password here. If you use the default user “root”, you don’t have to enter a password here.

Select the database to which you want to import your data. Type the following command: “use my-database; – Replace the word “database” with your desired database name. Press “Enter”. The successful selection of the database is acknowledged with the message “”Database changed”.

Now the actual import takes place. With the command: “source C:\hier\path\mysql-file.sql”. the desired file is located on the computer and with “Enter” the import process is started. Replace the path with your path – and of course use the backslash (AlrGr + ß) to specify the path 😉

Honestly? I was really happy the first time I did this process that it worked. The problem lies in the details. A typo here or there, and the operation is not performed. For some of you, the step over the console is a huge one. My tip is to take your time and be patient with yourself. And if it does not work, check letter by letter!