How to Find and Download Your All-in-One WP Migration Backup File

Many users of the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' plugin run into a common issue: they successfully create an export, but then can't locate the downloaded file on their computer. This guide explains why this happens and the simple steps to find and download your backup.

Why Can't I Find My Exported File Immediately?

Contrary to what some users might expect, the plugin does not create a direct download path from your live server to your local machine. The export process is a two-step operation:

1. Creation: The plugin first creates a complete backup file (with a .wpress extension) on your web server. This file is stored in a specific directory within your WordPress installation.
2. Download: Once the file is created on the server, you must then manually download it to your local computer through your browser.

This process is why you don't get a "Save As..." dialog box prompting you for a location right away. The file must exist on the server before you can save it locally.

Step-by-Step: How to Find and Download Your Backup

Follow these steps to locate your backup file within your WordPress admin dashboard and download it.

1. Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard of the site you exported from.
2. In the left-hand menu, navigate to All-in-One WP Migration.
3. Click on the Backups submenu.
4. You will now see a list of all backup files stored on your server. They are stored in the wp-content/ai1wm-backups/ directory.
5. Find the backup you just created and click the Download button next to it. Your browser will then prompt you to choose a location on your local computer to save the file.

Troubleshooting Large File Downloads

A frequent problem occurs when trying to download very large backup files (e.g., 28GB or 50+ GB). Browser downloads can time out or fail for such large files. If your download fails:

• Consider using the plugin's cloud storage extensions (like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to transfer the file directly from the server to the cloud, bypassing the need for a browser download.
• If you have server access, you can use an FTP client or your hosting control panel's file manager (e.g., cPanel) to access the wp-content/ai1wm-backups/ folder and download the file directly. This method is often more reliable for large transfers.

Important Limitations to Be Aware Of

Based on community discussions, it's important to understand what the plugin's standard version can and cannot do regarding file locations:

• No Direct FTP/SCP Import: The community version of the plugin does not support importing a backup file that has been placed on the server via FTP, SCP, or any other file transfer method. The only supported import method is to drag and drop the file from your local machine onto the import page in your WordPress admin area.
• No Programmatic API: There is no public API to trigger exports or imports from a custom PHP script. The 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' team offers a separate premium addon that enables functionality via WP-CLI.

By understanding how the plugin manages files, you can successfully export your site and locate the vital backup file for your migration or safekeeping.