First, connect to your database in HeidiSQL.

 

Replace the Hostname, User, and Password fields with your database server and login details:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once connected, RIGHT-CLICK on your database name in the left column, and select "Export database as SQL":

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the next screen, enable both "Create" checkboxes, for Output select "One big file", and select a location/filename to save the MySQL dump file to:

 

 

 

You will now have a file saved to your hard drive that can be used to restore your database.

 

 

 

 

 

To import a database from a .sql dump file, connect to your new database using HeidiSQL.

 

Select your database, and then then from the TOOLS menu, select "Load SQL file…"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This will load your .sql file into the top window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should now see your database populated with tables and data: