phpmyadmin - Recovering mysql database from data folder backup

Question

I have uninstalled the old XAMPP and deleted all of the content of d:xampp folder and installed the new one. When I copy my backup folder (with the name of my database, containing all .frm and .opt files) to the D:xamppmysqldata, the database shows in the list in phpmyadmin but it has no tables and data. What I've done wrong?

Answer 1

Here's how I dealt with this kind of situation:

1. Stop the Apache and MySql services from xampp control panel.
   
2. Back up (just in case), then delete the data folder from your new xampp installation folder <physical_drive>/xampp/mysql.

   (The data folder contains the schema/table definitions (.frm files) for your tables.)
   

3. Copy the data folder from your previous xampp folder (or the backup) under mysql and paste it to the new location (i.e. <physical_drive>/xampp/mysql).
4. Now start the Apache and MySql services from the xampp control panel.
   

There you go, the tables should show up with their structures as you click on them.

Note: Make sure you leave the bin folder under your xampp installation folder untouched.