diff --git a/source/packages/plg_system_mokosuiteclient_backup/src/Extension/Backup.php b/source/packages/plg_system_mokosuiteclient_backup/src/Extension/Backup.php
index b921da44..446b36c8 100644
--- a/source/packages/plg_system_mokosuiteclient_backup/src/Extension/Backup.php
+++ b/source/packages/plg_system_mokosuiteclient_backup/src/Extension/Backup.php
@@ -60,6 +60,14 @@ class Backup extends CMSPlugin implements SubscriberInterface
 		catch (\Throwable $e)
 		{
 			Log::add('Backup bridge: ' . $e->getMessage(), Log::WARNING, 'mokosuiteclient');
+
+			// Send explicit error so HQ knows collection failed,
+			// rather than interpreting absence as "not installed"
+			$event->addResult('backup', [
+				'installed' => true,
+				'status'    => 'error',
+				'message'   => 'Failed to collect backup status',
+			]);
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -105,6 +113,7 @@ class Backup extends CMSPlugin implements SubscriberInterface
 		{
 			return [
 				'installed' => false,
+				'status'    => 'ok',
 			];
 		}
 
@@ -188,8 +197,7 @@ class Backup extends CMSPlugin implements SubscriberInterface
 		);
 		$totalBackups = (int) $db->loadResult();
 
-		// Recent completed backups (last 7 days)
-		$cutoff = date('Y-m-d H:i:s', strtotime('-7 days'));
+		$cutoff = date('Y-m-d H:i:s', strtotime("-{$staleDays} days"));
 		$db->setQuery(
 			$db->getQuery(true)
 				->select('COUNT(*)')