UpdraftPlus Error 403

Hi,

The HTTP 403 error code means that the server considered the request unauthorised. The most likely cause is that it has a security module installed in the web server (not WP, the webserver) – e.g. mod_security – which considers that the request looks unusual, and so decided to block it. (It does look unusual, as authenticating with Dropbox in your WP admin area doesn’t look like a typical website page visit).

they say it is a plugin issue

Were they any more specific than this? On the fact of it, it’s not plausible, because an HTTP 403 error code comes from a webserver that’s denying access; there’s no code in UD that issues that code.

David

Hi David, thanks for that.

Basically the Bluehost support member said via chat they don’t know what would possibly cause it from their end. They’ve checked everything and it seems fine, so it must be a plugin issue. I contacted two different support people who after an hour each both reported the same.
It’s frustrating because I’m caught in a loop between Bluehost support and Updraft Plus support who are both shrugging their shoulders and saying “ask the other guy”, which results in my $97 plugin not working, my site is not being backed up and I can’t clone or migrate it.

I forgot to mention… this problem only occurred after i installed the payed version. When I had the free version going everything worked fine.

Hi David,

I have been back to BlueHost support with your suggestions (as well as Updraft Plus support) and they said there is nothing wrong at their end and the issue is with either the plugin or in the installation. I would appreciate it if you could look into this issue. I have pasted a transcript of the chat with Bluehost below.

Regards,

Gary.

Chat:
*
Tech Support: Website Issues/WordPress and Other CMS Updraft Plus plug in server problem.
* R
Thank you for validating.
Can you elaborate the issue with plugin ?
* Hi I’m using the UpdraftPlus WP plugin (ver 2.14.2.22 ) successfully with a number of sites linking to Dropbox (all sites on the same server and to the same Dropbox account). I’ve added a new site, but receive this error after clicking on the orange ‘complete setup’ screen when I try to authenticate with Dropbox. “Error 403 We’re sorry, but we could not fulfill your request for /wp-admin/options-general.php?page=updraftplus&action=updraftmethod-dropbox-auth on this server. You do not have permission to access this server. Data may not be posted from offsite forms. Your technical support key is: d31e-116b-cd36-1abb” Updraft plus support blamed my server. Then after spending hours with server support, they say it is a plugin issue. I’m not that technical, has any one got a simple suggestion or better yet a fix? Thanks
*
Also, The plug in support said The HTTP 403 error code means that the server considered the request unauthorised. The most likely cause is that it has a security module installed in the web server (not WP, the webserver) – e.g. mod_security – which considers that the request looks unusual, and so decided to block it. (It does look unusual, as authenticating with Dropbox in your WP admin area doesn’t look like a typical website page visit). Were they any more specific than this? On the fact of it, it’s not plausible, because an HTTP 403 error code comes from a webserver that’s denying access; there’s no code in UD that issues that code.
*
One last thing… the plugin support asked: What PHP version is currently running on your host? We recommend using PHP 7.
* R
I will check PHP settings.
* G
ok
* R
The PHP version you are using is 5.6
I have enabled php 7.0
* G
thanks. Can you stand by while I test please?
No good. I have screenshots of the setup process. can I send them to you?
* R
You can test it.
* G
There’s no change
* R
I have checked with specialist and everything looks good for the account to function plugin.
* G
What about “The HTTP 403 error code means that the server considered the request unauthorised. The most likely cause is that it has a security module installed in the web server (not WP, the webserver) – e.g. mod_security – which considers that the request looks unusual, and so decided to block it. (It does look unusual, as authenticating with Dropbox in your WP admin area doesn’t look like a typical website page visit).”
* R
mod_security is enabled
* G
please stand by while I check again
I get “Error 403 We’re sorry, but we could not fulfill your request for /wp-admin/options-general.php?page=updraftplus&action=updraftmethod-dropbox-auth on this server. You do not have permission to access this server. Data may not be posted from offsite forms. Your technical support key is: d31e-116b-cd36-1abb”
* R
I have checked with specialist and there is no issue from our end.
You can try to upload plugin manually using FTP

Hi,

Please could you try entering your site IP address into the following form, which will unblock it if it is blocked on our end?
https://updraftplus.com/unblock-ip-address/

For future support requests regarding the paid version, please could you open a support ticket here:
https://updraftplus.com/paid-support-requests/

as this forum is for the free version only.

Hi, thanks for getting back to me. I entered the site’s IP address into the form, got a green ‘site has been successfully unblocked’ message, then when I went to connect my dropbox account, got the same Error 403 message. So no go.

I already have got a support ticket going. My purchase order number is: #213411 – 2017-06-09

Hi,

We will continue support via the ticket, so I will mark this closed here