If you are wondering how to be able to import a larger SQL file in PHPMyAdmin[1], the solution is pretty easy, to allow it through the standard phpMyAdmin sql import – which can also be used to import a csv in phpMyAdmin, or even to import an OpenDocument Spreadsheet in phpMyAdmin, simply by changing the input format in import menu.

Your limitation (for example, it can be 2Mb with XAMPP (Fig 1)) is most likely due to your php.ini configuration.

Simply open it – for example, with XAMPP[2], by selecting the Apache Config menu entry “php.ini” (Fig 2). Search for the following values in your php.ini file : post_max_size, upload_max_filesize, and memory_limit.

In case they are not in sync, your maximum allowed upload file size will be limited by the smaller value, keeping in mind the memory limit should be higher than the two other values, as memory will be needed to store and process the data, not counting other server activities.

These were the default values on my local server :

post_max_size=8M
upload_max_filesize=2M
memory_limit=128M

A possibility – to customize to your own needs – can be to update them to following values (Fig 3) :

post_max_size=128M
upload_max_filesize=128M
memory_limit=1024M

Don’t forget, after applying these changes, to restart your Apache[3] server – on XAMPP[2], stop it (Fig 4) and start it again (Fig 5) (Fig 6) (Fig 7).

Just to show an example, in case you update only one value, for example upload_max_filesize, and end up with the following values (Fig 8) :

post_max_size=8M
upload_max_filesize=128M
memory_limit=128M

Even though you have setup the maximum filesize to a higher value, it won’t work as the maximum posting size is lower.

PHPMyAdmin[1] will only allow you 8Mb.