The easiest method is to use a free utility available on www.mysql.com, called MySQL Administrator. It can perform backups and restores from a graphical interface, and also schedule backups. (Tip: in the backup options, choose 'InnoDB online backup' and enable 'Complete backup')

An alternative method is to do it via command line. It is detailed below.

Backup

1. type the following command:
   
   mysqldump --user=desknowserver --password=password --single-transaction --skip-opt --add-drop-table --add-locks --create-options --disable-keys --extended-insert --quick --set-charset desknow > /var/backup-desknow.sql
    
2. this will generate a sql file with all the commands to recreate the database

Restore

1. re-create an empty desknow database, following the instructions in DeskNow's documentation
2. open the console (command prompt) in c:mysqlbin
3. type the following commands:
   mysql --user=desknowserver --password=password desknow
   SET FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS = 0;
   SOURCE /var/backup-desknow.sql
   SET FOREIGN_KEY_CHECKS = 1;