Whmbackup.solutions Review

Based on looking at the website whmbackup.solutions, this service provides a free, open-source PHP script for automating cPanel/WHM reseller backups.

It aims to give reseller account holders more control over their website data, offering scheduled backups to various storage locations.

While the concept of data backup is crucial, the website’s presentation and some aspects of its information raise a few flags from a comprehensive trust and reliability perspective.

The service itself is ethical, as data backup is a permissible and necessary activity.

Here’s an overall review summary:

Service Provided: Free, open-source PHP script for cPanel/WHM reseller backup automation.
Cost: 100% Free.
Open Source: Yes, released under GNU GPL-3.0-or-later license.
Security: Authentication via API Token, Hash Key, or WHM Password. individual cPanel account passwords not required. Script hosted on the user’s server.
Support: Provided by Peter Kelly via email, Facebook page, and Twitter, with a stated 48-hour response time. Community forum also available.
Trust Metrics: Claims a “100% Excellent rating” on TrustPilot, with a link provided. However, the last update on the blog and statistics mentioned October 2019 is quite dated, raising concerns about current relevance and ongoing maintenance. The website’s design also appears somewhat basic and not entirely polished for a professional-grade solution, which can sometimes be a red flag for legitimacy or ongoing development.
Overall Recommendation: While the concept is sound and the script is free and open-source, the dated information on the website and the simple presentation suggest that it might not be as actively maintained or robust as a commercial, regularly updated backup solution. For mission-critical data, a more established and professionally supported service might be a safer bet.

For those seeking robust and professionally supported backup solutions, especially for critical web hosting data, here are some excellent alternatives that offer more comprehensive features and active development:

JetBackup:
- Key Features: Automated backups for cPanel/WHM, incremental backups, disaster recovery, multiple backup destinations local, remote, cloud, self-service restores for end-users, broad compatibility with hosting environments.
- Price: Varies based on license type and server count, typically starting around $5-$10/month per server.
- Pros: Highly reliable, widely used in the hosting industry, excellent support, robust feature set, continuous development.
- Cons: Not free, requires a licensing fee, can be complex to configure initially for new users.
Acronis Cyber Protect:
- Key Features: Integrated backup, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, endpoint protection, anti-malware, vulnerability assessment, patch management. Offers cloud and on-premise solutions.
- Price: Subscription-based, varies significantly based on features and number of protected machines, starting from approximately $50/year per workstation.
- Pros: Comprehensive security and backup in one suite, strong reputation, advanced features, good for businesses needing integrated protection.
- Cons: Can be overkill for simple website backups, higher cost, steeper learning curve due to extensive features.
CodeGuard:
- Key Features: Website backup and monitoring, automatic daily backups, one-click restore, malware detection, version control, email notifications. Integrates with various CMS platforms.
- Price: Starts from around $5-$10/month for basic plans.
- Pros: Easy to use, good for individual websites or small businesses, offsite backups for added security, reliable.
- Cons: More focused on website backups rather than full server or reseller accounts, can become costly for many sites.
R1Soft now part of Veeam:
- Key Features: Continuous Data Protection CDP, near-continuous backups, bare-metal restore, block-level backup, enterprise-grade scalability, often offered by hosting providers.
- Price: Enterprise-level pricing, usually offered as an add-on by hosting providers or requires direct consultation for larger deployments.
- Pros: Highly efficient, minimal performance impact, extremely reliable for large-scale data protection, popular among hosting companies.
- Cons: Primarily a server-side solution, not typically something an end-user installs themselves, complex for individual deployment, high cost for direct licensing.
Duplicati:
- Key Features: Free, open-source backup client, encrypted backups, incremental backups, supports various storage services FTP, SSH, cloud storage like Google Drive, S3, scheduling.
- Price: Free.
- Pros: Cost-effective, flexible with storage options, strong encryption, open-source community support.
- Cons: Requires technical knowledge to set up and manage, interface can be less intuitive for beginners, not specifically tailored for cPanel/WHM reseller accounts more general-purpose.
Bacula:
- Key Features: Enterprise-grade open-source backup solution, client-server architecture, highly scalable, supports various OS and database backups, robust reporting, flexible configuration.
- Price: Open-source version is free, commercial support and enterprise versions available.
- Pros: Extremely powerful and flexible, suitable for large and complex environments, open-source community, highly customizable.
- Cons: Very steep learning curve, requires significant technical expertise to deploy and maintain, not designed for simple cPanel reseller backups.
rsync via custom scripts:
- Key Features: Command-line utility for fast, incremental file transfer, widely available on Linux servers, can be scripted for automated backups.
- Price: Free part of most Linux distributions.
- Pros: Highly efficient for syncing files, minimal resource usage, extremely flexible when combined with custom scripting, robust for experienced users.
- Cons: Requires strong command-line and scripting knowledge, no built-in graphical interface, not a turnkey solution for cPanel backups needs custom integration for full account backups.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

whmbackup.solutions Review & First Look

Based on an initial examination of the whmbackup.solutions website, the service presents itself as a compelling, free, and open-source solution for cPanel/WHM reseller backup automation.

The primary value proposition is to empower reseller account holders with more control over their data, ensuring that critical website information is safe from potential hosting provider failures or data loss scenarios.

The website clearly states that the script is 100% free and operates under the GNU GPL-3.0-or-later license, which is a significant advantage for users seeking cost-effective solutions and transparency in code.

The website provides various sections, including a forum, blog, change log, and extensive documentation covering installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

This indicates an attempt to foster a community and provide self-help resources.

The direct communication channels like email, Facebook, and Twitter, along with the personal touch of the developer, Peter Kelly, suggest a hands-on approach to support.

However, despite these positive aspects, the website’s overall aesthetic and the dated information on the homepage e.g., statistics from October 2019 hint at a project that might not be as actively maintained or professionally scaled as commercial alternatives.

This discrepancy between the promising functionality and the somewhat stagnant online presence could be a point of concern for users prioritizing ongoing development and enterprise-grade reliability.

Understanding the Core Offering

At its heart, whmbackup.solutions offers a PHP script designed to interact with cPanel/WHM’s API to perform full backups of cPanel accounts within a reseller environment.

This is crucial for anyone managing multiple client websites, as it bypasses the reliance on the host’s backup policies. Khonthaifc.com Review

The script facilitates scheduled backups, which can be stored in the account’s home directory, a remote FTP server, or even remote SCP storage.

Website Design and User Experience

The website features a straightforward, albeit somewhat dated, design.

Navigation is relatively clear, with links to key areas like documentation, forum, and download.

While functional, the visual presentation lacks the modern polish often associated with actively developed software solutions.

This might lead some users to question the recency of the project’s development or the level of ongoing investment.

Transparency and Open Source Nature

One of the strongest points for whmbackup.solutions is its commitment to open source.

The GNU GPL-3.0-or-later license means the entire codebase is accessible, auditable, and freely modifiable, promoting transparency and trust.

This is a significant benefit for users who want to understand exactly how their data is being handled and for developers who might wish to contribute or customize the script.

The direct link to the GIT repository further reinforces this transparency.

whmbackup.solutions Features

Whmbackup.solutions, despite its simplicity, packs a punch with features designed specifically for cPanel/WHM reseller environments. Sifr.com Review

The script’s core functionality revolves around automating the tedious process of backing up multiple accounts, ensuring data integrity and availability.

Automated Full Account Backups

The primary feature is its ability to create 100% full backups of every cPanel account within a WHM reseller account. This isn’t just about backing up files.

It includes databases, emails, configurations, and all other elements that constitute a complete cPanel account.

Comprehensive Data Capture: Ensures all aspects of a cPanel account are included in the backup, from website files and databases to email accounts and custom configurations.
Scheduled Execution: The script can be configured to run at specified intervals, allowing for automated daily, weekly, or monthly backups without manual intervention. This is typically achieved via cron jobs on the server where the script is hosted.

Flexible Backup Selection

The script offers granular control over which accounts to back up, providing flexibility that often isn’t available with default hosting provider backups.

Targeted Backup Criteria: Users can specify accounts to backup based on:
- Username: Backup specific cPanel user accounts.
- Package Name: Target all accounts associated with a particular hosting package.
- Domain Name: Include or exclude accounts based on their primary domain.
- Account Owner: Useful for resellers with multiple sub-resellers or distinct client groups.
- IP Address: Backup accounts hosted on specific IP addresses.
Exclusion Capabilities: Just as easily as including accounts, users can exclude specific accounts, packages, or domains from the backup process. This is useful for temporary accounts, test sites, or accounts where backups are managed by other means.

Secure Authentication Methods

Security is paramount when dealing with server-level access.

Whmbackup.solutions offers multiple authentication methods to connect with the cPanel server, enhancing security by avoiding direct password storage for each cPanel account.

API Token: The most recommended and secure method, allowing granular permissions.
Hash Key: Another secure method, often used for script-based access.
WHM Password: For convenience, though less secure than API tokens or hash keys for automated processes.
No Individual cPanel Passwords Required: This is a critical security advantage, as the script never needs to store or access individual cPanel account passwords, minimizing the risk of credential compromise.

Diverse Storage Options

Where backups are stored is as important as how they are created.

The script supports various storage destinations, offering flexibility and redundancy.

Account Home Directories: Backups can be stored directly within the cPanel account’s home directory. While convenient, this ties the backup to the same server, limiting disaster recovery options if the server itself fails.
Remote FTP Server: Allows backups to be transferred to an external FTP server, providing off-site storage. This is a crucial step for disaster recovery. Supports both active and passive FTP modes.
Remote SCP/SSH Storage: Offers a more secure method of transferring backups to a remote server via SSH Secure Copy Protocol. This is generally preferred over FTP due to encryption.

Easy Configuration and Automatic Updates

The script is designed for relative ease of use, with a simple configuration file and an automatic update mechanism.

Simple Config File: Users can configure the script by editing a plain text configuration file, often in under 5 minutes.
Obscurable Configuration: The configuration file can be obscured for an added layer of security, preventing casual viewing of sensitive settings.
Automatic Updates: The script has a built-in feature to automatically update itself to the latest version by checking with the whmbackup.solutions update server. This ensures users benefit from bug fixes and new features without manual intervention.

Self-Hosted and Open Source

The foundational principles of the script enhance trust and control. Perfecthomeshop.eu Review

Hosted on Your Own Server: The script runs directly on the user’s server, meaning no third-party needs direct access to the WHM account. This significantly reduces the security risk associated with granting external services access to sensitive hosting data.
Completely Open Source: As mentioned, being open-source means the code is transparent and auditable, fostering a community-driven development and allowing for custom modifications.

whmbackup.solutions Pros & Cons

When evaluating whmbackup.solutions, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against its limitations.

While it offers a compelling solution for a specific niche, it’s not without its drawbacks, particularly when compared to more mature, commercial offerings in the backup space.

whmbackup.solutions Pros

100% Free: This is arguably the biggest advantage. For users on a tight budget or those looking to reduce operational costs, a free solution is highly attractive. There are no recurring fees, licensing costs, or hidden charges.
Open Source & Transparent: The script’s open-source nature GNU GPL-3.0-or-later means complete transparency. Users can inspect the code, understand its functionality, and verify its security. This fosters trust and allows for community contributions or custom modifications. This is a significant ethical plus, as it aligns with principles of transparency and avoiding proprietary lock-in.
Self-Hosted Control: The script runs on the user’s own server. This provides maximum control over the backup process and ensures sensitive WHM credentials are not shared with external third-party services. Data remains entirely within the user’s control.
Direct cPanel/WHM Integration: It leverages the official cPanel/WHM API, ensuring compatibility and reliability with the hosting platform. It’s built specifically for this environment, making it more effective than generic backup solutions.
Flexible Backup Options: The ability to specify what to back up by username, package, domain, etc. and where to store backups home directory, FTP, SCP offers significant flexibility. Off-site storage via FTP/SCP is crucial for true disaster recovery.
Automated & Scheduled: Once configured, the script can run automatically via cron jobs, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent backups.
Simplified Authentication: The use of API tokens or hash keys, rather than individual cPanel passwords, enhances security and simplifies management for multiple accounts.

whmbackup.solutions Cons

Limited Professional Support: While Peter Kelly offers support via email and social media with a 48-hour response time, this is a one-man show. It cannot compare to the 24/7 dedicated support teams, extensive knowledge bases, and SLAs offered by commercial backup solutions. For mission-critical operations, this can be a deal-breaker.
Lack of Advanced Features: Compared to commercial solutions, whmbackup.solutions lacks advanced features such as:
- Incremental Backups: It performs full backups, which can be resource-intensive and consume more storage. Commercial solutions often offer incremental or differential backups, saving space and time.
- Retention Policies: While users can script their own retention, the script itself doesn’t offer built-in, sophisticated backup retention policies e.g., daily for 7 days, weekly for 4 weeks, monthly for 6 months.
- Granular Restore Options: It focuses on full account backups, and while cPanel allows granular restores, the script itself isn’t a dedicated restore interface.
- Web Interface/Dashboard: There’s no graphical user interface for managing backups, monitoring status, or initiating restores. Everything is command-line or configuration file based.
- Centralized Management: For multiple servers, there’s no centralized dashboard to manage all backups from a single point.
Reliance on User’s Server: While a “pro” for control, it also means the user is responsible for ensuring the server hosting the script is stable, secure, and has the necessary resources. If that server goes down, the backup process stops.
Technical Knowledge Required: Setting up and troubleshooting an open-source PHP script requires a certain level of technical proficiency PHP knowledge, cron jobs, server administration. It’s not a plug-and-play solution for non-technical users.
No Commercial Guarantees/SLAs: Being a free, open-source project, there are no service level agreements SLAs or financial guarantees in case of script failure or data loss. Users assume all risk.
TrustPilot Rating Ambiguity: While a “100% Excellent rating” is claimed, the number of reviews and their recency on TrustPilot would need to be independently verified to gauge true community satisfaction and current relevance. Small sample sizes or very old reviews can skew perception.

whmbackup.solutions Alternatives

When it comes to safeguarding your digital assets, especially in a cPanel/WHM reseller environment, having robust backup solutions is non-negotiable.

While whmbackup.solutions offers a free and open-source option, the market provides several ethical, professionally supported alternatives that offer greater reliability, advanced features, and dedicated support.

These alternatives are designed to provide peace of mind and ensure data integrity without compromising on Islamic ethical principles, as they are non-edible and fall outside forbidden categories.

1. JetBackup

JetBackup is arguably the most popular and widely adopted backup solution for cPanel/WHM servers in the hosting industry.

It’s a premium plugin that integrates seamlessly, offering comprehensive data protection.

Key Features:
- Automated & Incremental Backups: Efficiently backs up data by only storing changes, reducing storage space and backup time.
- Multiple Backup Destinations: Supports various storage options like local disks, FTP, SFTP, Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.
- Self-Service Restores: Allows end-users your cPanel clients to restore their own files, databases, emails, and cron jobs directly from their cPanel interface.
- Disaster Recovery: Capable of bare-metal and full account restores, crucial for severe data loss scenarios.
- Snapshot Technology: Provides point-in-time recovery, allowing restores to specific dates.
Average Price: Typically licensed per server, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 per month depending on the server size and features.
Pros: Industry standard, highly reliable, excellent performance, broad feature set, active development, dedicated support, user-friendly interface for both administrators and end-users.
Cons: Not free, requires a recurring license fee, can be an additional cost for budget-conscious users.

2. Acronis Cyber Protect

Acronis is a global leader in cyber protection, offering integrated data backup, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity solutions.

Their offerings extend beyond simple backups to comprehensive endpoint protection. Hawksshop.com Review

*   Integrated Cybersecurity: Combines backup with anti-malware, anti-ransomware, and vulnerability assessment.
*   Cloud & On-Premise Options: Flexible deployment models to suit various infrastructure needs.
*   Universal Restore: Restores systems to any hardware, ensuring quick recovery from disasters.
*   Automated Patch Management: Reduces vulnerabilities by automating software updates.
*   Centralized Management Console: Simplifies management of multiple backup agents.

Average Price: Subscription-based, highly variable depending on the number of protected workloads, features, and storage. Can range from tens to hundreds of dollars per year.
Pros: Comprehensive security and backup in one, strong brand reputation, advanced features for business continuity, good for businesses needing holistic protection.
Cons: Can be more complex and costly than a standalone backup solution, potentially overkill for basic website backup needs.

3. CodeGuard

CodeGuard is an excellent choice for website-specific backups, offering an easy-to-use cloud-based solution that integrates with various CMS platforms and hosting providers.

*   Automated Daily Backups: Regular, automatic backups of your website files and databases.
*   One-Click Restore: Simple restoration process for files or entire websites.
*   Malware Monitoring & Removal: Scans your site for malware and assists in cleanup.
*   Version Control: Keeps multiple versions of your website backups, allowing you to roll back to any point in time.
*   Offsite Storage: Backups are stored securely in the cloud, separate from your hosting server.

Average Price: Plans start from around $5-$10 per month for basic website backup, scaling up with more storage and features.
Pros: Very easy to use, excellent for individual website owners or small businesses, reliable offsite storage, good security features like malware detection.
Cons: Primarily focused on website backups, not a full server or reseller backup solution. can become costly for a large number of individual websites.

4. R1Soft part of Veeam

R1Soft, now under the Veeam umbrella, is renowned for its Continuous Data Protection CDP technology, making it a favorite among hosting providers for server-level backups.

*   Continuous Data Protection: Near-continuous backups with very small recovery point objectives RPOs, meaning minimal data loss.
*   Block-Level Backup: Highly efficient, backing up only changed data blocks rather than entire files.
*   Bare-Metal Restore: Quickly restore entire servers from scratch.
*   Centralized Management: Often integrated into WHM by hosting providers, offering a seamless experience.
*   Enterprise Scalability: Designed to handle large volumes of data and numerous servers.

Average Price: Typically offered as an add-on service by hosting providers. Direct licensing for enterprises is tailored and can be substantial.
Pros: Extremely efficient and reliable for server-level backups, minimal performance impact, industry-proven technology, great for hosting companies.
Cons: Not a solution you typically install yourself as an end-user. usually requires a hosting provider to offer it. Direct licensing can be expensive for individuals.

5. Duplicati

Duplicati is a free, open-source backup client that offers a surprising amount of functionality for personal or small-scale server backups.

While not tailored for cPanel, its flexibility makes it a viable option for those comfortable with manual setup.

*   Free & Open Source: No cost, and the code is available for review.
*   Strong Encryption: All data is encrypted before being sent to cloud storage.
*   Incremental Backups: Efficiently stores only changed blocks, saving space and bandwidth.
*   Supports Various Cloud Storage: Compatible with S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, FTP, SSH, WebDAV, and more.
*   Scheduling & Filtering: Allows for automated backups and exclusion of specific files.

Average Price: Free.
Pros: Cost-effective, highly customizable, strong encryption, wide range of supported storage destinations, active community support.
Cons: Requires more technical knowledge to set up and manage, not a dedicated cPanel plugin requires manual scripting for full cPanel account backups, user interface can be less intuitive.

6. Bacula

Bacula is an enterprise-level, open-source backup solution renowned for its power and scalability.

It’s a robust client-server architecture suitable for complex environments, though it has a steep learning curve.

*   Client-Server Architecture: Centralized backup server manages agents on client machines.
*   Scalability: Designed for large-scale deployments, managing thousands of backups.
*   Diverse OS Support: Backs up data from various operating systems and applications.
*   Volume Management: Sophisticated handling of backup media and retention policies.
*   Network & Storage Options: Supports a wide array of network protocols and storage devices.

Average Price: Free open-source version, with commercial support and enterprise editions available at varying costs.
Pros: Extremely powerful and flexible, ideal for complex, multi-server environments, highly customizable, strong community.
Cons: Very steep learning curve, requires significant technical expertise to deploy and maintain, overkill for simple cPanel reseller backups, not user-friendly for beginners.

7. rsync via custom scripts

For those with strong Linux command-line and scripting skills, rsync remains a powerful and free tool for creating custom backup solutions.

While not a “product” in itself, it’s a fundamental utility often used to build robust backup scripts.

*   Incremental File Transfer: Efficiently syncs only changed files or parts of files.
*   Remote Synchronization: Can sync files between local and remote servers over SSH.
*   Highly Flexible: Can be combined with other Linux utilities e.g., `tar`, `cron` to create custom backup routines.
*   Widely Available: Pre-installed on most Linux distributions.

Average Price: Free comes with Linux.
Pros: Extremely efficient, minimal resource usage, highly customizable for specific needs, robust and reliable when properly configured.
Cons: Requires significant scripting and Linux administration knowledge, no built-in graphical interface, not a turnkey cPanel backup solution requires manual integration with cPanel’s backup functions. You’d need to manually manage the full cPanel account backup process and then use rsync for transfer.

whmbackup.solutions Pricing

One of the most straightforward aspects of whmbackup.solutions is its pricing model: there isn’t one. The service is unequivocally 100% FREE. This stands out significantly in a market where robust backup solutions often come with recurring monthly or annual fees. The developer explicitly states that the script is released under the GNU GPL-3.0-or-later license, which is a core tenet of the open-source movement, emphasizing freedom to use, study, change, and distribute the software.

The True Cost of “Free”

While the monetary cost is zero, it’s crucial to understand that “free” software often comes with other investments, primarily in time and technical expertise. Bernardbpo.com Review

Time Investment: Users will need to allocate time for installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of the script. This includes setting up cron jobs, ensuring PHP requirements are met, and potentially troubleshooting issues.
Technical Expertise: A basic understanding of Linux command-line, PHP, cPanel/WHM environment, and potentially FTP/SCP is necessary. While the documentation aims to simplify this, it’s not a click-and-go solution for non-technical users.
Self-Support: As a free, open-source project, the primary support channels are community forums, documentation, and limited direct support from the developer with a stated 48-hour response time. There are no guaranteed service level agreements SLAs or dedicated support teams, which commercial solutions offer.
Hardware/Storage Costs: Users are responsible for the server resources where the script runs and the storage costs for the backups themselves whether local disk, remote FTP, or SCP storage. The script facilitates the backup, but it doesn’t provide the infrastructure.
Opportunity Cost: For businesses where uptime and data integrity are paramount, relying on a free solution with potentially less frequent updates and limited professional support might carry an inherent risk or “opportunity cost” if a disaster occurs and recovery is slow or incomplete. This risk needs to be weighed against the savings.

Comparison to Commercial Pricing Models

Commercial backup solutions for cPanel/WHM typically operate on various pricing models:

Per-Server Licensing: Common for plugins like JetBackup, where you pay a monthly or annual fee per server the software is installed on. Prices vary based on server size and features.
Per-Account/Per-Website Pricing: Some services like CodeGuard charge based on the number of websites or cPanel accounts being backed up.
Storage-Based Pricing: Cloud backup services often charge based on the amount of data stored and bandwidth used.
Tiered Plans: Most services offer different tiers Basic, Standard, Enterprise with varying features, support levels, and storage capacities.

In contrast, whmbackup.solutions completely bypasses these direct costs.

It’s a solid option for individuals or small resellers who have the technical know-how and budget limitations, and who are comfortable with a more hands-on approach to their backup strategy.

However, for larger operations or those who prioritize managed services, guaranteed support, and advanced features, the initial monetary saving might be offset by the required technical investment and potential risks associated with less formal support.

whmbackup.solutions vs. Other Backup Solutions

When you’re looking at backup solutions for your cPanel/WHM reseller accounts, it’s like picking a tool for a specific job.

Whmbackup.solutions is a specialized, free, and open-source hammer, while alternatives like JetBackup or Acronis are more like multi-tool powerhouses.

Understanding their distinct advantages and disadvantages is key to making the right choice for your setup.

whmbackup.solutions vs. JetBackup

whmbackup.solutions:
- Cost: Free.
- Nature: Open-source PHP script, self-hosted.
- Features: Full account backups, flexible selection username, package, domain, various storage options home directory, FTP, SCP, automated updates, basic authentication API Token, Hash Key, WHM Password.
- Ease of Use: Requires manual configuration editing config files, command-line interaction for scheduling. No GUI for managing backups post-creation.
- Support: Community forum, direct email/social media from developer Peter Kelly with 48-hour response.
- Pros: Cost-effective, full control, transparent code.
- Cons: No incremental backups full only, lacks a GUI for end-users or admins, limited advanced features e.g., granular restores from UI, sophisticated retention policies, dated website information, support is a one-man operation.
JetBackup:
- Cost: Paid per-server license, typically $5-$15/month.
- Nature: Commercial cPanel/WHM plugin.
- Features: Incremental backups, multiple destination support local, cloud including S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, self-service restores for end-users via cPanel, advanced retention policies, bare-metal restore, disaster recovery tools, robust API.
- Ease of Use: Seamlessly integrated into WHM/cPanel with a user-friendly GUI. Easy for admins to manage and for end-users to restore their own data.
- Support: Dedicated professional support team, extensive documentation, active development.
- Pros: Industry standard, highly reliable, feature-rich, excellent performance, professional support, user-friendly for both admins and end-users.
- Cons: Not free, adds recurring cost to your hosting operations.

Verdict: For critical production environments, especially those serving clients, JetBackup offers a superior, more robust, and professionally supported solution with essential features like incremental backups and end-user self-service restores. whmbackup.solutions is best for highly technical users with budget constraints who are comfortable with hands-on management and can tolerate potential gaps in ongoing development or support.

whmbackup.solutions vs. Acronis Cyber Protect

whmbackup.solutions: Focuses purely on cPanel/WHM reseller backups using a self-hosted script. It’s a specialized tool for that specific task.
Acronis Cyber Protect:
- Scope: A broad, enterprise-grade cyber protection suite encompassing backup, disaster recovery, cybersecurity anti-malware, anti-ransomware, and endpoint management.
- Deployment: Can be cloud-based or on-premise, highly scalable for diverse IT infrastructures.
- Complexity: Significantly more complex and feature-rich than whmbackup.solutions, requiring more sophisticated planning and management.
- Cost: Substantially higher, designed for businesses that need integrated security and data protection across their entire IT environment, not just web hosting.

Verdict: These two are in entirely different leagues. Acronis is for businesses needing a holistic cybersecurity and data protection strategy across servers, workstations, and cloud environments. whmbackup.solutions is a niche, cost-free tool for a very specific backup task within a cPanel reseller account. You wouldn’t compare a Swiss Army knife to a specialized hammer for specific woodworking tasks.

whmbackup.solutions vs. Open-Source Tools like Duplicati/Bacula General Purpose

*   Specialization: Built specifically for cPanel/WHM API integration for reseller account backups.
*   Target Audience: cPanel/WHM reseller account holders.

Duplicati/Bacula:
- Specialization: General-purpose backup clients/systems. Duplicati is client-side for various storage, Bacula is enterprise-grade client-server for complex environments. Meetfancy.com Review
- cPanel Integration: No direct cPanel integration. To use them for cPanel backups, you would typically need to:
  1. Generate cPanel full backups manually or via cPanel’s built-in tools.
  2. Then use Duplicati or Bacula agents/scripts to transfer and manage these backup files to desired destinations.
  3. This adds a layer of complexity and manual orchestration.
- Learning Curve: Duplicati requires moderate technical skills. Bacula requires significant expertise.

Verdict: While Duplicati and Bacula are excellent open-source tools, they are not out-of-the-box solutions for cPanel reseller backups. whmbackup.solutions has a clear advantage in its direct integration with cPanel’s API, simplifying the backup generation process. If you need a more flexible or generalized backup solution for various server types beyond cPanel, Duplicati or Bacula might be considered, but be prepared for more manual setup for the cPanel component.

In essence, whmbackup.solutions offers a specific, free, and self-managed solution for a defined problem.

Its value proposition is strongest for technical users seeking cost savings and maximum control.

However, for organizations prioritizing robustness, comprehensive features, ease of management, and professional support, investing in established commercial solutions like JetBackup is almost certainly a better long-term strategy.

How to Cancel whmbackup.solutions Subscription

The good news is that there’s no “subscription” to cancel for whmbackup.solutions because the script itself is 100% free and open source. You never pay any money for the script, so there’s no billing cycle, no recurring charges, and no account to formally close or unsubscribe from. Rothenberger.com Review

However, if you decide you no longer want to use the whmbackup.solutions script, your “cancellation” process essentially boils down to discontinuing its operation and removing it from your server. This involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Stop the Scheduled Backups Cron Jobs

The whmbackup.solutions script typically runs automatically via a cron job set up on your server.

This is the first and most crucial step to stop the backup process.

Access WHM: Log into your WebHost Manager WHM as the root user or reseller.
Navigate to Cron Jobs: Find the “Cron Jobs” or “Scheduled Tasks” section in your WHM interface. The exact location might vary slightly depending on your WHM theme, but it’s usually under “Server Configuration” or “Software.”
Identify and Delete the Cron Job: Look for the cron job entry that executes the whmbackup.solutions script. It will likely call a PHP file e.g., php /path/to/whmbackup.solutions/backup.php.
Delete the Entry: Remove or delete this cron job entry. Confirm the deletion.
Verify: After deleting, you can wait for the next scheduled run time or manually check to ensure the script is no longer being executed.

2. Remove the Script Files from Your Server

Once the cron job is stopped, the script is no longer running, but its files still reside on your server.

For tidiness and to free up space, you should remove them.

Access Your Server via SSH or FTP: Connect to your server using an SSH client like PuTTY or Terminal or an FTP client like FileZilla. You’ll need the login credentials for your server.
Locate the Script Directory: Navigate to the directory where you initially installed the whmbackup.solutions script. This is typically a directory you created yourself, like /home/yourreselleruser/whmbackup.solutions/ or /var/www/html/whmbackup.solutions/.
Delete the Directory: Carefully delete the entire whmbackup.solutions directory and its contents. Be extremely cautious to ensure you are deleting only the script’s directory and not any other important server files.
Consider Backup Files: Remember that the script creates backup files. If you configured it to store backups in the account’s home directory or another location on your server, you’ll need to decide whether to keep or delete those backup files as well. This depends on your own data retention policies.

3. Optional Remove Any API Tokens or Hash Keys

If you created specific API tokens or hash keys in WHM for the whmbackup.solutions script to use, it’s good security practice to revoke or delete them.

Access WHM: Log into WHM.
Navigate to API Token Management: Look for “Manage API Tokens” or “Manage WHM API Tokens” usually under “Development” or “Security Center”.
Identify and Revoke Token: Find the API token associated with the whmbackup.solutions script and revoke or delete it.

By following these steps, you will have effectively “canceled” your use of whmbackup.solutions and cleaned up its presence on your server.

Since there’s no financial transaction, there are no refunds, billing inquiries, or formal cancellation notices to worry about.

How to Cancel whmbackup.solutions Free Trial

Given that whmbackup.solutions is advertised as 100% FREE and open-source software, there is no “free trial” in the traditional sense that requires cancellation. You don’t sign up for a trial period that converts into a paid subscription or automatically charges you. The script is free to download, use, and modify from the outset, without any time limits or hidden costs.

This means you don’t need to worry about: Darcylemon.com Review

Providing credit card details that could be charged after a trial.
Forgetting to cancel before a trial period ends.
Being automatically enrolled in a subscription.

Instead, if you’ve been “trying out” whmbackup.solutions and decide it’s not for you, the process is exactly the same as “canceling a subscription” as outlined in the previous section: you simply stop using the script and remove it from your server.

Here’s a quick recap of the actions required, which effectively constitute “canceling” your use of the free script:

1. Stop the Cron Job Running the Script

Log into your WHM.
Go to Cron Jobs or Scheduled Tasks.
Locate the entry for whmbackup.solutions and delete it. This immediately halts any future automated backups by the script.

2. Delete the Script Files from Your Server

Connect to your server via SSH or FTP.
Navigate to the directory where you installed the whmbackup.solutions script e.g., /home/youruser/whmbackup.solutions/.
Delete the entire script directory.
Decide on existing backups: If the script created backup files on your server, decide whether to keep or delete them based on your data retention needs.

3. Optional Revoke Any WHM API Tokens or Hash Keys

Go to Manage API Tokens or Manage WHM API Tokens.
Find and revoke any API tokens or hash keys specifically created for whmbackup.solutions. This is a good security practice to clean up access permissions.

By performing these steps, you have effectively “canceled” your use of the whmbackup.solutions script, as there was no financial commitment or trial period tied to its usage.

It’s simply a matter of removing the software from your environment once you’ve decided it no longer serves your needs.

whmbackup.solutions Documentation and Support

The quality of documentation and the availability of support are critical factors for any software, especially for free and open-source projects where direct commercial support isn’t typically part of the package.

For whmbackup.solutions, these aspects aim to provide users with the resources to set up, troubleshoot, and use the script effectively.

Documentation Overview

The whmbackup.solutions website features a dedicated “Documentation” section, which is a positive sign for an open-source project.

This section is designed to guide users through various stages of using the script.

Getting Started: This section would typically cover the initial steps, what you need to have in place before you begin, and a high-level overview of the process.
Installation: Provides step-by-step instructions on how to download the script and place it on your server. This is crucial for a script that needs to be self-hosted.
Configuration: Details on how to edit the script’s configuration file. Given that the script is configured via a simple text file, clear instructions on parameters and options are essential. The website highlights that configuration can be done “in under 5 minutes,” which implies simplicity.
Troubleshooting: A vital section for any software, offering solutions to common problems or error messages users might encounter during installation or operation.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ: Addresses common queries that users might have, providing quick answers to typical concerns.
Change Log: Chronicles updates, bug fixes, and new features introduced in different versions of the script. This is important for understanding the project’s evolution, although the latest visible entries on the homepage were from 2019, which is a concern for perceived active development.

Strengths of the Documentation:

Availability: It exists and is accessible directly on the website, which is not always the case for smaller open-source projects.
Structure: The categorized approach Installation, Configuration, Troubleshooting helps users navigate to the relevant information quickly.
Open Source Detail: The mention of how the script works internally, referencing cPanel’s API like listaccts and fullbackup functions, is valuable for technical users who want to understand the underlying mechanics.

Concerns with the Documentation: Nebelgaard.com Review

Recency: As with other parts of the website, the visible blog posts and change log entries from 2019 raise questions about whether the documentation is consistently updated to reflect the latest cPanel/WHM versions or potential changes in best practices. Outdated documentation can lead to significant frustration for users.
Depth for Complex Issues: While adequate for basic setup, it might lack the depth required for highly complex or unique server environments, leaving users to rely on community or direct support for niche problems.

Support Channels

Support for whmbackup.solutions is primarily provided by the developer, Peter Kelly, along with community contributions.

Direct Developer Support: Peter Kelly states he is “easily contactable via our Facebook page, Twitter or email [email protected].” He also mentions a “full time job” and a potential 48-hour response time.
- Pros: Direct access to the person who knows the code best. can provide highly specific advice.
- Cons: Response time limitations. single point of failure for support. not comparable to 24/7 professional support teams.
Community Forum: The website mentions a “community discussion forum.”
- Pros: Peer-to-peer support, users can share experiences, solutions, and recommendations. Builds a sense of community.
- Cons: Reliance on volunteers. answers may vary in quality or speed. can become stagnant if the community is not highly active.
GIT Repository / Issue Tracker: The script’s presence on Bitbucket GIT Repository and Issue Tracker provides a platform for developers to report bugs, suggest features, and track development.
- Pros: Standard for open-source projects. allows for formal bug reporting and collaboration.
- Cons: Primarily for technical users/developers. not a general user support channel.

Overall Support Assessment:

The support model for whmbackup.solutions is typical for a personal, free, open-source project.

It relies heavily on the developer’s availability and the community.

While commendable for a free offering, this contrasts sharply with commercial solutions that offer dedicated support teams, guaranteed response times SLAs, and a broader range of support channels.

For mission-critical operations, relying solely on this type of support might be a significant risk.

Users requiring immediate assistance or guaranteed uptime would likely find this support model insufficient.

FAQ

Is whmbackup.solutions genuinely free?

Yes, based on the website’s claims, whmbackup.solutions is 100% free.

It is released under the GNU GPL-3.0-or-later open-source license, meaning there are no costs associated with downloading, using, or modifying the script.

What is the primary purpose of whmbackup.solutions?

The primary purpose of whmbackup.solutions is to provide a free, open-source PHP script that automates the backup process for all cPanel accounts within a WHM reseller environment. Buytelescopes.com Review

It allows users to schedule full backups and store them off-site.

Does whmbackup.solutions provide cloud storage for backups?

No, whmbackup.solutions does not provide cloud storage itself.

It is a script that enables you to transfer backups to your own designated storage locations, such as the account’s home directory, a remote FTP server, or a remote SCP/SSH server.

What are the main requirements to use whmbackup.solutions?

To use whmbackup.solutions, you need a cPanel/WHM Reseller Account, the ability to list accounts and log into cPanel accounts, PHP 5.6 or above PHP 7+ recommended, and PHP extensions like CURL and optionally FTP if using FTP retention.

Is whmbackup.solutions suitable for large-scale enterprise backups?

While whmbackup.solutions is functional for reseller accounts, its free, open-source nature with limited professional support and lack of advanced features like incremental backups, sophisticated retention policies, or a GUI makes it less suitable for large-scale enterprise backup needs compared to commercial solutions.

How does whmbackup.solutions handle security and authentication?

Whmbackup.solutions authenticates with your cPanel/WHM server using API Tokens, Hash Keys, or your WHM Password.

Crucially, it does not require or store individual cPanel account passwords, enhancing security.

Are there any limitations to the free nature of whmbackup.solutions?

The only stated limitation is related to the GNU GPL-3.0-or-later license: any modified variants of the script must also be released for free under the same license.

There are no functional limitations or trial periods that expire.

How often is whmbackup.solutions updated?

The website’s visible change log and blog posts indicate that the script was actively updated around 2019. However, the presence of outdated information on the homepage e.g., statistics from October 2019 raises questions about the recency and frequency of ongoing development. Bizency.com Review

Can I get professional support for whmbackup.solutions?

Direct professional support is not offered in a commercial sense.

Support is provided by the developer, Peter Kelly, via email, Facebook, or Twitter, with a stated response time of up to 48 hours. A community forum is also available.

Does whmbackup.solutions offer incremental backups?

No, whmbackup.solutions is designed to create 100% full backups of each cPanel account.

It does not offer incremental or differential backup capabilities, which can be more efficient for storage and bandwidth.

Can I restore individual files or databases using whmbackup.solutions?

The script’s primary function is to create full account backups.

While cPanel itself allows granular restores from a full backup, whmbackup.solutions does not provide a dedicated interface or tool for granular file/database restoration.

You would typically use cPanel’s native restore options.

Is there a graphical user interface GUI for whmbackup.solutions?

No, whmbackup.solutions is a PHP script that is configured by editing a simple text file and run via cron jobs.

There is no graphical user interface or web-based dashboard for managing the script or backups.

How do I configure whmbackup.solutions?

The script is configured by editing a simple configuration file. Stepletics.com Review

The website documentation provides instructions on how to set up parameters like backup targets, exclusion rules, and storage destinations.

Can whmbackup.solutions backup specific accounts or exclude others?

Yes, the script allows you to specify what to back up based on criteria like Username, Package Name, Domain Name, Account Owner, or IP Address. You can also easily exclude specific accounts.

What happens if my web host closes down when using whmbackup.solutions?

If you store your backups on a remote FTP or SCP server off-site storage, then your data would be safe in the event your web host closes down.

If you only store backups in the account’s home directory, your data would be at risk.

Does whmbackup.solutions automatically update itself?

Yes, the script has a feature that allows it to automatically update to the latest version by checking with the whmbackup.solutions update server.

Is whmbackup.solutions listed on TrustPilot, and what is its rating?

The website claims a “100% Excellent rating” on TrustPilot, with a link provided for verification.

It’s advisable to check the recency and number of reviews directly on TrustPilot for a current assessment.

What is the difference between whmbackup.solutions and commercial solutions like JetBackup?

Whmbackup.solutions is free, open-source, and self-hosted with basic features and community/limited developer support.

Commercial solutions like JetBackup are paid, offer extensive features incremental backups, GUI, self-service restores, dedicated professional support, and more frequent updates.

Can I use whmbackup.solutions to migrate WHM reseller accounts?

The website mentions a blog post titled “Migrating WHM Resellers With WHM Backup Solutions Script,” suggesting it can be used as part of a migration strategy, particularly for transferring backups between servers. Adsenseguard.com Review

How do I stop using whmbackup.solutions if I no longer need it?

To stop using whmbackup.solutions, you need to remove the cron job that runs the script and then delete the script’s files from your server.

If you created any specific API tokens for it in WHM, you should also revoke those.