Verify a remote DriveBackupV2 archive without restoring over production
An upload status proves that a transfer reported success; it does not prove the archive contains every required file or can restore a working service. A small recovery trial checks the actual remote object without replacing the live server.
Record the starting point
Select one completed remote archive and record its timestamp, provider location and expected source set. Prepare a separate test folder or isolated service copy with enough space. Keep the live server's data path out of the extraction destination.
Work through the change
- Download the archive from the remote destination rather than reusing the original local file. Compare its reported size and any checksum information available through the documented workflow.
- List the archive contents and check required world, plugin and configuration paths. Watch for an archive containing only an error file or another nested archive.
- Extract into the isolated destination and inspect representative files. If starting a service copy, isolate ports, scheduled tasks and external database connections first.
- Record what the test proved: readable archive, expected file set, or a complete isolated startup. Keep the original archive unchanged while deciding whether the recovery set is sufficient.
Check the result
The downloaded copy should open without errors and contain the intended data. A full startup test should use the matching software and a safe environment. Label a partial inspection honestly rather than describing it as a complete disaster-recovery test.
If the result differs
If the archive is truncated, compare transfer logs and provider storage before deleting the local original. If files are missing, review selection rules and excluded paths. If external database data is required, a complete game-files archive alone is not sufficient.
Leave production untouched if validation fails and preserve the last known good remote copy. Correct the backup selection or transfer issue, then test a new archive. Remove only disposable test extractions after confirming they are not the sole copy of recovered data.
