So yesterday I was attempting to upload a script for a program I recently purchased, Build A Niche Store. Part of the process is creating a mysql database. I've done this a number of times, so no problem. But in my effort to keep the server clear of clutter, I accidentally deleted the database for GoTryThis. Very bad move!
(I thought it was the database for a free version I had installed and decided not to use…)
There went all my affiliate links for every program I have ever promoted on the Internet along with all the data tracking those links. Darn!
After much frustration trying to create a new database and link it to the existing script, I ended up deleting the whole GoTryThis script from the shared server and reinstalling it with it's own account. (Not quite sure of the correct terminology here. It's a reseller account, so I made sure no other databases will ever be confused with the GTT database again!)
Then I recreated as many links as I could, from a spreadsheet I had created for backup. Everything is working well again, and the program is now set up on the server in a much safer way. So in the end it's good.
Lessons learned: Be much more careful before deleting anything from a server! Make sure I back up all databases very regularly.
For those who don't know, GoTryThis is a link cloaking and tracking program. It's super easy to use and does the job well for me. I have the white hat version and it's all I need. The black hat version is probably more for those super affiliate types who really want the edge in competition.
Ultimately I got Build A Niche Store (BANS) installed fine and I'm off and running.
Tags: Build a Niche Store, GoTryThis, mysql database
