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What is expert backup configuration

Expert backup configuration lets you adjust how Modular DS generates backups when your site's server has resource limitations. In this article we explain what each setting does and when it's worth changing it.

Where to find the expert configuration

These settings are part of the global backup configurations, they aren't defined site by site. You'll find them when you create a global backup configuration or edit an existing one in the "Expert configuration" section that appears at the end.

Since it's a global configuration, the values you define apply to every site that has that configuration assigned. If you ever want to go back to the original values, use the "Restore defaults" option.

These are expert-only settings. We recommend not changing these values unless you're familiar with the capabilities of the server hosting the site, since an incorrect configuration can prevent backups from being generated.

Max number of files

This setting defines how many files Modular DS processes in each backup cycle. The default value is 5000 and you can adjust it between 250 and 10,000.

Lowering this number helps on servers with older or slower disks, because it avoids overloading the system during the process.

Max ZIP size

Modular DS splits your site's files into several ZIP segments to make copying and cloud storage easier.

This setting defines the maximum size of each segment: 256 MB by default, with a range from 24 MB to 1,024 MB.

Many servers can handle larger segments, but it's worth adjusting this value based on your server's timeout. A lower timeout needs smaller segments to prevent the backup from being interrupted.

Large table threshold

This setting defines the size at which a database table is considered large. The default is 100 MB, adjustable between 1 MB and 500 MB.

Tables above that size are backed up separately, one by one. That way, backups of heavy databases complete without interruptions.

Exclude database tables with a different prefix

By default, Modular DS includes every database table in the backup. With the "Exclude" option you can leave out tables whose prefix is different from your WordPress installation's.

It's useful when you have more than one WordPress installation sharing the same database and you don't want to include the tables from the others.

Recommendation

Before changing these parameters, get in touch with our support team if you have questions about how to adjust them to your server's characteristics.

Our goal is for your backups to be generated efficiently and securely, adapting to the capabilities of your infrastructure.

Do you need help with anything else? Email us at help@modulards.com or contact us via the support chat, and we'll be happy to help you.

Updated on: 24/09/2026

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