Backup Drupal 6.x content database from host to local mac

First I've created a local copy of my Drupal based site and re-created it on my local mac. Make sure your Drupal versions and Backup modules are the same between the two.

In this case I'm using the Backup and Migrate module.

1. Go to Host site in production >>  Backup and Migrate  and do a "Quick Backup"

2. Put the local backup site off-line under Site maintenance

3. If you're using a different theme, Change the Theme back to the Garland (default) theme.  Make sure you click "Save Settings"

4. Go to the local backup site.  >>  Backup and Migrate  and click the "Restore" tab up top.

5. Browse to where you saved the backup file and click the "Restore Now" Button

Done:  My local backup site now looks like it has something wrong but it looks like all the data made it in.

6. Go to Administer >> themes and reset back to the Garland (default) theme.

7. Go to Administer >> modules and run the update.php

8.  Put the local backup site on-line under Site maintenance

Surf around and make sure you're good..