In reply to:
There's a php file located on the SMF website...
How can I get the status.php file? 
Can you post a direct link? Thanks.
In reply to:
Didn't guice mention something about upping the value of PHP_FCGI_MAX_REQUESTS=5000 to 10000 or something in order to allow enough time for the process to begin, execute, then close without spawning another process or something like that ? It was a few posts back ...
There are people who use 500 for this value, 5000 is more then enough, I think.
In reply to:
With aPC, at least, when I attempt to backup my database through the admin menu of my forum software, SMF v1.1RC2, I get a 500 error.
NEVER do a database backup through a web admin, like your forums or any other web enabled device.
If your database is big, the browser will probably error and result in a corrupt .sql file.
Instead, use the right method: Telnet one.
I will post my procedure, using SecureCRT, the tool I use.
Here it is the original thread (if you don't have access, I paste it below):
http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=39558
BACKUP PROCEDURE
I assume that you already installed SecureCRT and configured correctly it's options, including the connection protocol, hostname, port and username. If you are not sure about any values, now is the time to contact your host and enquire this information.
01. Create a /backup folder in your ROOT, using your FTP client. Later on, you will need to know the path to that folder. If you are not sure how to get the path for your backup folder, create a info.php file with the content:
<?php phpinfo(32); ?>
Upload it into your backup folder and open it in your internet browser. Look for this information:
_SERVER["DOCUMENT_ROOT"] > /path/to/backup/folder
02. Login onto your server, using SecureCRT. You will see this information:
[USERNAME HOSTNAME]$ _
That means you are successfully logged in and ready do give commands, at the prompt.
03. At the prompt, type:
mysqldump --opt -u USERNAME -p DATABASENAME > /path/to/backup/folder/bk060502.sql
NOTE: Change the highlighted values with your own. You will need the MySQL database USERNAME that your web host created for you, NOT the one you access to your FTP server. In most cases, they are different.
If you are not sure, contact your host to obtain this information.
060502: month date year (easier to remember the last date you backup your database). Change it with the corresponding date of your actual backup.
04. You will be asked for your password:
Enter password: _
Enter your MySQL database PASSWORD and hit Enter.
NOTE: If you have a large database, it might take up to 20 minutes until your backup is done. Relax and smoke a cigarette or grab a snack.
When done, you will see in the SecureCRT window, the command prompt.
05. Login onto your FTP server and go to your /backup folder. You will see there your bk060502.sql file. Save it to a safe place (a CD-RW is good for me).
RESTORE PROCEDURE
Well, here it comes that day when your tables are corrupted and nothing works in your beloved vBulletin. If you would not had done a backup, you would probably hit your head against the wall because you lost all your 3845 members and 285,793 threads. Tables corruption can happen pretty often, even if MySQL is known for it's reliability.
01. Login onto your FTP server and upload your bk060502.sql file to your /backup folder.
02. Login onto your server, using SecureCRT. You will see this information:
[USERNAME HOSTNAME]$ _
That means you are successfully logged in and ready do give commands, at the prompt.
03. At the prompt, type:
mysql -u USERNAME -p DATABASENAME < /path/to/backup/folder/bk060502.sql
NOTE: Change the highlighted values with your own.
04. You will be asked for your password:
Enter password: _
Enter your MySQL database PASSWORD and hit Enter. When done, you will see in the SecureCRT window, the command prompt.
COMMON ERRORS
The most frequent error you might get is this:
ERROR 1045: Access denied for user...
There are 3 causes for this:
1. You didn't replace the "username" with the MySQL username assigned by your administrator.
2. You supplied the wrong password (usernames and passwords are case-sensitive).
3. You don't have access. Contact your administrator for more assistance.
NOTE: Since SecureCRT have all data encrypted, it's possible also to safely specify your password into the command line. I recommend not to do it, just to keep a good habit. In normal conditions, if you do so, it's very possible your password can then be viewed by others using your system.