How do you use MySQL's source command to import large files in windows

With xampp I think you need to use the full path at the command line, something like this, perhaps:

C:\xampp\mysql\bin\mysql -u {username} -p {databasename} < file_name.sql

On Windows this should work (note the forwardslash and that the whole path is not quoted and that spaces are allowed)

USE yourdb;

SOURCE D:/My Folder with spaces/Folder/filetoimport.sql;

Don't use "source", it's designed to run a small number of sql queries and display the output, not to import large databases.

I use Wamp Developer (not XAMPP) but it should be the same.

What you want to do is use the MySQL Client to do the work for you.

1. Make sure MySQL is running.
2. Create your database via phpMyAdmin or the MySQL shell.
3. Then, run cmd.exe, and change to the directory your sql file is located in.
4. Execute: mysql -u root -p database_name_here < dump_file_name_here.sql
5. Substitute in your database name and dump file name.
6. Enter your MySQL root account password when prompted (if no password set, remove the "-p" switch).

This assumes that mysql.exe can be located via the environmental path, and that sql file is located in the directory you are running this from. Otherwise, use full paths.