Been a pro user for years, everything was perfect, why did you mess it up? Help!

  • andrewskg

    (@andrewskg)


    1 month, 2 weeks ago

    Hi, I’ve been using this plugin for many years over multiple sites. It was the best backup plugin by far with its versatility in storage options, scheduling and precise data management.

    It is heartbreaking to see what 5.x redesign has brought. I really wonder what was the vision in the UX and tech here — the new version is not minimalistic, it’s not modern, it’s not simple… This is a product for technical / semi-technical audience, and it was great the way it was – we don’t need to be forced into wizards and lose all versatility.

    Now if can you help me with specific genuine questions on how to do the following:

    • How can I do incremental backups to S3 now? It seems the only way now is to have them zipped. This doens’t work for my larger sites
    • How can I create backups to include folders and files outside of the standard like I used to?
    • Where can I see job logs?
    • Where can I edit notifications settings? like to email me on failure/success etc per job
    • How can I use external cron schedulers like cron-job.org
    • I also tried to add my license to new site and even that is not working… I tried use either the master API key or the legacy key but none works. it also requires a “product id” which I assume is 21..?

    Please help… all of these things were working fine and everything was simple before this new version… I really don’t understand what has gotten into you. I hope you can revert the style and functions to what it was before.

    • This topic was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by andrewskg.
Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Plugin Support BackWPUp Support

    (@saranshwpm)

    1 month, 2 weeks ago

    Hi,

    Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed and thoughtful feedback — we genuinely appreciate your long-term support and completely understand your concerns with the redesign. I’ll do my best to address each of your points clearly:

    1. Incremental Backups to S3:
      BackWPup has never offered true incremental backups. We previously had a sync-style feature, but it wasn’t a true incremental system. That said, proper incremental backups are on our internal feature request list — we know how important this is for large sites and we’re actively considering it.
    2. Backing Up Files Outside the Standard WP Directory:
      This use case has come up again, and we’re discussing how best to support this in the new structure. It’s not currently possible via the UI, but it’s under review internally.
    3. Where to See Logs:
      You can find all job logs under:
      Advanced Settings → Logs → Access Logs
    4. Email Notifications per Job:
      Currently, global email settings are available under Advanced Settings > Notifications. Per-job notifications are not yet available in the new UI, but this feature has been added to the roadmap.
    5. External Cron Services (e.g., cron-job.org):
      Your feedback is noted. We’re working on improving documentation and usability for external triggers, including reintroducing and refining link-based job starts in one of the future releases.
    6. License Activation Issue:
      For the license problem, could you please reach out to us directly via the support form? This will allow us to check your account details and help you activate on the new site.

    We understand how frustrating these changes have been, and we’re committed to regaining your trust. Your message helps us stay grounded in what matters most: usability, flexibility, and reliability.

    Thanks again,
    The BackWPup Team

    Thread Starter andrewskg

    (@andrewskg)

    1 month, 2 weeks ago

    Thanks for the reply

    “Incremental Backups to S3:” thanks for the explanation. Despite not being a true incremental backup, what you had given us previously was working totally file… so it would be good to just reintroduce that asap. Currently I am completely unable to back up my larger sites as the file-backups timeout.

    You also used to have good controls for different types of backups.. files / db / plugins only / list of plugins etc… these things were very helpful.

    so overall… very quickly I listed 5-6 things that used to work well and as you see they were completely taken away from the 5.x update. I’ve been in product management for years, I’d really like to understand what has gotten into your minds to abruptly remove ~50% of working features without any good reason… Anyways, I hope you guys can bring back features and simplicity ASAP, the clock is ticking… good luck!

    • This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by andrewskg.
    cutu234

    (@cutu234)

    3 weeks ago

    This is the gruesome truth: They simply removed MANY features that made the plugin great.

    We’re working on improving documentation and usability for external triggers, including reintroducing and refining link-based job starts in one of the future releases.

    This has nothing to do with “improving”. The problem is that almost certainly the already configured cron jobs will not work anymore. This means some hours unpaid work for us.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
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