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Troubleshooting the 'Failed - Forbidden' Download Error in All-in-One WP Migration

14 threads Sep 7, 2025 Plugin → All-in-one wp migration and backup

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Many users of the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' plugin encounter a frustrating issue: after successfully creating a backup file, clicking the download button results in a "Failed – Forbidden" error. This prevents them from saving the essential .wpress file to their local machine. Based on community reports and common solutions, this article explains why this happens and provides the most effective workarounds.

Why Does the "Forbidden" Error Occur?

The error is almost never a fault of the plugin itself. Instead, it is typically a server-level security restriction. Hosting providers or local server software (like XAMPP) often implement rules to block the direct download of certain file types, including .wpress files, which they may perceive as a potential security risk. This blocking is usually handled by mod_security rules, .htaccess directives, or other server firewall configurations that users cannot directly control from their WordPress admin dashboard.

The Primary Solution: Download via FTP/SFTP or File Manager

The most reliable and widely recommended solution is to bypass the WordPress dashboard downloader entirely and retrieve the file directly from your server.

  1. Locate the Backup File: The plugin saves all backup files in the wp-content/ai1wm-backups/ directory on your server.
  2. Access Your Server: Use an FTP client (like FileZilla), SFTP, or your hosting provider's built-in File Manager (often found in cPanel).
  3. Download the File: Navigate to the ai1wm-backups folder, find the most recent .wpress file (it will be named with your site's name and a timestamp), and download it directly to your computer.

This method is consistently successful because it completely avoids the server security rules that block HTTP downloads.

Other Troubleshooting Steps

If you wish to try and fix the HTTP download issue, consider these steps:

  • Contact Your Hosting Provider: This is a critical step. Ask their support team if they have security rules blocking .wpress file downloads. They can often whitelist the file type or adjust the security rules for your account.
  • Check .htaccess Rules: On some local servers like XAMPP, the ability to use .htaccess files might be disabled in the Apache configuration, which can cause permission issues. Enabling it can sometimes resolve the problem.
  • Temporarily Disable Security Plugins: A WordPress security plugin might be interfering with the download process. Try disabling any security or firewall plugins temporarily before attempting the download again.

Important Note on Pro Version Issues

The threads indicate that issues related to premium extensions (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or the Unlimited Extension) are specifically handled by the 'All-in-One WP Migration and Backup' team. This includes problems like "Invalid Credentials" errors with cloud services or timeout errors (e.g., cURL error 28). For assistance with premium products, users typically need to contact the plugin's official support channel directly.

By understanding the root cause and using the direct FTP download method, you can reliably retrieve your backups and avoid the "Forbidden" error message.

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