Requires DB manipulation and, optionally, hacking: OPTIONAL (for quicker testing, required hacking): edit backup_cron_helper.class.php and change the "60 * 90" to "60 *3", so the semaphore cleaning will happen after 3 mins (instead of 90). DB MANIPULATION: In the config_plugins table insert one record with values (plugin => backup, name => backup_auto_running, value => 1). This will simulate the semaphore. Enable automated backups in admin->courses->automated backups TEST: Run the CLI cron.php script, should show message about automated backups running. TEST: Run the CLI automated_backups.php script, should show message about automated backups running. Wait 1 minute and re-rerun the 2 TESTS above, they must continue showing running status. TEST: Wait > 3 minutes and run the cli cron.php. The semaphore gets cleaned (with message) and automated backup happens. Ignore any other output. TEST: Run the cli automated_backups.php script. The semaphore has been cleaned by the previous test so backups should happen. Ignore any other output.