How do I retain the MySQL old table after renaming it?

I did a short search on http://mysql.com and didn't find any info on using a query to make a copy of a table (seems useful though). You could do this using a server-side language (I recommend phpMyAdmin).

If you want to back up the table try: http://www.mysql.com/doc/B/A/BACKUP_TABLE.html

Or, you could back up the table, then rename it. Then restore the backed up data...

Yes I am using phpMyAdmin but I can't find any code regarding backing up the old table and at the same rename the table.

I will use the second option you suggested until I can find it.

Thanks Mark.

I don't think there's an easy (built in) way to do this. To do this in Transact-SQL you would have to create the table first, copy all data from the table you are going to rename, and then rename the table.

Thanks Peter,

I will try it also and see which is the best method to use.

what version do you have?
I'm running version 3.23.32

select a table, and look at the properties page
at the bottom it should say "Copy table to:" then have a textbox and two radio buttons "Structure only" and "Structure and data".

I am using ver 3.23.27 the actual syntax for rename table ver 3.23.27 and above is.

rename table_name to new_table_name

Thanks, I will try your suggestion.

What version of phpMyAdmin are you using? If you view the ChangeLog, the ability to copy a table was added in version 1.3.1

I am using ver 2.0.1

Yes! it's under "Properties = copy/rename table" I am able to duplicate/copy the complete table and also rename it.

Thanks a lot Mark.