Ok the database is 19.1 mb and when I try to upload or restore I get connection timed out etc etc. Whats the best way to overcome this?
I can get ssh access but have never used it so a little cautious on that score. The database is a mysql dump text file.
My personal recommendation is to use a program like Navicat (http://www.navicat.com/) to import the data into the database. There is a free personal version and a 30 day trial for commercial use. Super easy system to restore and backup databases from your local computer, Another good way would be to ftp the dump file to the server, and use mysql to restore it from the command line. Sounds a little intimidating but isn't especially hard. Here's a decent article on how to restore via this method: http://www.abbeyworkshop.com/howto/lamp/MySQL_Export_Backup/index.html The navicat is probably easier if you don't have much command line experience.
There is also mysqldumper - it will import or export any sized database. Use an FTP program to upload the database to the mysqldumper files folder, then use the program to restore it. I have been using this program for about 8 months. Its backs up my 500+ meg database with no problem. The last time I restored a database, it was about 400 megs. The restore process took about 15 - 20 minutes..
I've used bigdump (http://www.ozerov.de/bigdump.php), works ok. Another option - you could physically split your mysql file using notepad or other, then upload them sequentially. typically I've found using files of 10 MB or less goes through with my hosting; splitting your file in 2 should work...
are you using phpmyadmin if so , max upload size is smaller then your database... the easiest way is to just cut database in pieces ....and upload then..