When I get to this point:
Creating a new database dump - dump_2008_5_14_18_29_59.sql (19.5 Mb)
 
I receive the message:
Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded in /homepages/41/MalikSTOREScouk/shop/includes/common_functions.php on line 220
 
I don't want to dig into the code and change it - but my database grows day by day and is only about 10% completed so the problem is permanent? Do I have to keep amending code as the database grows?

change the max execution setting with set_time_limit() do a google search, there are a lot of resources about that issue. I suggest you take your backup through Cpanel if you use.

one of the greatest features of viart is the dumping. I utilize it daily. I agree with chris... the admin side needs some mods.
the dumping has issues with importing my 45 meg dumps.
admin login trails like the users
cms of admin home for each user
exportable reports to excel
discounts: why can we not say that certain categories or individual products get discounted for certain members rather than having the discounts so global?
viart is great... but these are everyday situations.

I appreciate your comments emresonmez , but I am a marketeer not a programmer, so I don't really understand what you are advising.
 
All I want is for the Viart back up to work out of the box

Hi Chris,
 
Have you got an easy resolution to backing up your files yet?
 
Is the easiest way through cpanel or through Administration > DB Management?
 
Also how often do you back up?
 
This is my first online shop so I am curious as to what methods you guys apply to this issue.

I usually do a daily backup. This frequency really depends on your volume. I've noticed 1 key issue is that if you have a large volume, you cannot utilize the DB backup within the cart because it times out on the VA_Tracking part because your logs are large.

Dan, that appears to be my problem. Mine is a large shop with good daily activity.