Configure QCBM Backup Retention by Backup Count and Storage Size

QCBM Profile retention controls how many verified local Backup Sets are kept and, optionally, how much local storage those retained sets may consume. Retention is available with scheduled-backup features on Pro, Max, and All Access.

Retention removes eligible old local Backup Sets; it is not a substitute for off-site copies, and it should not be configured so aggressively that a single recent backup becomes your only recovery point.

Set Retention on a Profile

  1. Go to Components > QC Backup Manager > Profiles.
  2. Edit the Profile.
  3. Open Retention and Profile Options.
  4. Set Maximum Backup Sets to keep from 1 through 365.
  5. Set Maximum local storage (GB) from 0 through 10000. Use 0 for no size limit.
  6. Save the Profile.

Each Profile has its own limits. Retention evaluates completed, verified Backup Sets associated with that Profile rather than applying one undifferentiated count to the whole site.

How the Backup-Count Limit Works

QCBM evaluates the newest eligible Backup Sets first. Once the number of retained sets reaches the Profile's count limit, older sets become cleanup candidates.

For example, a count limit of 7 means QCBM can keep the seven newest eligible sets for that Profile, subject also to the storage-size rule.

How the Local-Storage Limit Works

When the size limit is greater than zero, QCBM totals retained Backup Sets from newest to oldest. Older sets become candidates when keeping them would push the retained total beyond the configured limit.

QCBM does not use the size rule to discard the newest eligible set merely because that one set is larger than the configured limit. The logic starts applying the size threshold to older entries after the newest set is accounted for.

Which Backup Sets Are Eligible

The retention lookup considers Backup Sets that are both complete and verified. It excludes sets that are actively exporting from the initial candidate query and re-checks state immediately before deletion.

If a set is locked by another QCBM operation, is exporting, or has an active restore stage, retention skips it rather than forcing deletion through an active workflow.

Retention Runs as Its Own Task

Retention cleanup is separate from creating a scheduled backup. QCBM installs a dedicated QC Backup Manager Retention Cleanup Joomla Scheduled Task, normally configured for a daily interval. An administrator with the required permission can also use Run Retention Cleanup from the scheduler area.

If the retention task is disabled in QCBM Settings, or the required entitlement is unavailable, cleanup reports that it was skipped rather than silently deleting data.

What Happens to History

Deleting an old Backup Set through retention removes that local recovery artifact according to QCBM's normal delete workflow. QCBM also maintains separate operational, export, and audit/history records with their own age-based cleanup settings.

Do not describe all history as permanent. The current cleanup task explicitly performs age-based history cleanup after applying Backup Set retention. If you need long-term audit evidence, export or preserve the records you require according to your own retention policy.

Choose Limits That Match Your Recovery Plan

A useful policy balances recovery depth against local storage. Consider how often the Profile runs, how far back you may need to recover, how quickly site data changes, and whether verified copies also exist off-server.

Count and storage limits are both active when configured. A generous count does not guarantee that many local sets will remain if the storage-size limit is reached first.

Verify Retention Behavior

After changing limits, review the Profile and the current Backup History before allowing cleanup to run. After the next Retention Cleanup task, review its result message and confirm the expected newer verified sets remain.

If QCBM reports skipped locked/exporting/restore-staged sets, let those operations finish and allow a later cleanup pass to re-evaluate them.

Community Discussion

Want to compare workflows, share practical tips, or discuss how you use this QCBM feature? Visit the QC Backup Manager Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific issues, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.