MYSQL Backup addon error

[DrByte]

Well after nosing around I learned that, despite the Zen instruction to turn on safe mode, this backup utility will not function if it is on. All the buttons etc. appear but it won't work. I either have to leave safe mode off or remember to turn it off when I want to do a backup.

I'm not sure what "Zen instruction to turn on safe mode" you're referring to.
Zen Cart has *always* recommended against the use of safe mode, as there are many far more efficient and effective ways to secure a server other than the overly restrictive safe mode in PHP.

So, yes, turn off safe mode. The warning message in the backup_mysql tool specifically says that it typically won't work if safe mode is turned on.