How to View and Manage Backup History in Xcitium

Configuring Xcitium Backup Settings is essential for safeguarding your website’s files, databases, and overall functionality. Proper backup configuration ensures your data is securely stored, automatically updated, and easily recoverable in case of unexpected issues.

With proper configuration, you can:

• Securely connect to your website files (FTP/SFTP or SSH)
• Back up your database (MySQL or PostgreSQL)
• Schedule automated backups
• Reduce backup size using exclusions
• Receive backup notifications

How to Access Xcitium Backup Settings

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Websites.
3. Click the Manage button located next to the website you want to manage.

   
    

4. Open the Backups tab.
5. Under Premium Backup Services, click Manage for Xcitium.

   
    

6. In the Xcitium dashboard, click Settings in the bottom-left corner.

   
    

Each setting provides full details and complete configuration options for your website:

• Website Details
• Database Options
• Schedule
• Notification
• Directory Full Path
• Extension Exclusions

Website Details

Configure how Xcitium connects to your website files using FTP, SFTP, or SSH.

1. Confirm the correct website domain.
2. Choose connection type:
   • SFTP (recommended for security)
   • FTP
   • SSH Key (advanced)
     Make sure to add the generated SSH key to your authorized_keys file.
3. Enter your FTP, SFTP, or SSH login credentials. Refer to the following guides for help with FTP/SFTP and SSH setup:
   • View the FTP Account Details
   • Change the FTP Password
   • What is SSH Access and How to Enable It in Your Hosting Account
4. Add the Hostname.
5. Confirm the Port Number:
   • FTP: 21
   • SFTP/SSH: 22
6. Define Root Directory.
7. Click Test Connection.
   • If the connection is successful, you will see a 'Test Success' notification.
   • If it fails, a 'Test Failed' message will appear.
     Verify that all website details are correct, then rerun the Test Connection.

Database Options

Set up your database backup by entering your database type and login details.

1. Select Database Type
   • MySQL (most common)
   • PostgreSQL
2. Enter Database Host
   Default: localhost
3. Check the Port Settings:
   • MySQL: 3306
   • PostgreSQL: 5432
4. Enter your Database Credentials:
   • Database username
   • Password
   • Database name
5. (Optional) Enable SSH Mode
   Use only if direct access is restricted.
6. Click Test Connection.
   • If the connection is successful, you will see a 'Test Success' notification.
   • If it fails, a 'Test Failed' message will appear.
     Verify that all website details are correct, then rerun the Test Connection.

Schedule

Choose how often and when your backups will run automatically.

1. Choose Backup Frequency:
   • Daily
     Daily backups ensure maximum data protection.
   • Every 2–3 days
   • Weekly or monthly
2. Set Backup Start Time.
   Choose off-peak hours (e.g., late night)
3. Turn On/Off automatic Schedule Backup.
4. Verify the Next Backup time.
5. Click Save to apply schedule settings.

Notification

Select when you want to receive backup alerts.

Choose how you want to be alerted:

• Disabled
• Success & Failure
• Failure Only (recommended)

Save your preference after selection.

Directory Full Path

Exclude specific folders to reduce backup size and improve performance.

1. Select + Add Folder to create a new exclusion entry.
2. Type the directory path directly into the input box.
3. Press Enter to add it to the list.
   Example:

   cache/
   tmp/
   logs/
   wp-admin/creds

   Do not exclude critical folders, such as

   public_html/ wp/content 

4. (Repeat as needed) Add multiple folders by repeating the same steps.
5. Click Save to apply all directory path exclusions.

Extension Exclusions

Exclude file types that are not needed in your backups.

1. Click + Add Extension to create a new exclusion entry.
2. Type the file extension or pattern in the input box.
   Extension should start with *. characters.
   *.log *.tmp *.jpg *.png *.zip
3. (Repeat as needed) Add multiple file types by repeating the same steps.
4. Click Save to apply all extension exclusions.

Summary

Properly setting up your Xcitium Backup Settings ensures your website remains protected, efficient, and easy to restore when needed. By configuring secure connections (FTP/SFTP), setting up accurate database backup details, and scheduling automated backups during off-peak hours, you reduce the risk of data loss and downtime. Additionally, applying directory and extension exclusions helps minimize backup size and improve performance, while notifications keep you informed of any issues. Following these best practices results in a dependable, optimized, and fully automated backup system that supports long-term website stability and peace of mind.