Delete a QCBM Backup Set Safely

Deleting a QCBM Backup Set is a permanent destructive action. The normal delete workflow removes the selected local Recovery Package, Backup Set folder, manifest, local backup parts, Backup History row, and related operational records after QCBM verifies it is deleting the correct managed folder.

The permanent backup-run ledger is maintained separately, so QCBM can preserve historical evidence that the run occurred even after the retained recovery artifact is deleted.

Before You Delete a Recovery Point

Confirm that the Backup Set is genuinely no longer required. For production sites, make sure another acceptable complete and verified recovery point exists and that any off-site copy you intend to keep is accessible.

Do not use permanent deletion merely to clear a warning. If a Backup Set is damaged, first decide whether its evidence is still useful for troubleshooting or whether a fresh verified replacement should be created.

Delete the Local Backup Set

  1. Open Components > QC Backup Manager > Backups.
  2. Locate the Backup Set in Backup History.
  3. Click Delete.
  4. Read the confirmation panel. QCBM identifies the action as permanent and names the local Recovery Package/Backup Set material that will be removed.
  5. Leave the remote-copy option unchecked if you want to preserve recorded off-site copies.
  6. Click Permanently Delete Backup Set only after confirming the selected recovery point is no longer needed.

Safety Checks That Can Block Deletion

QCBM does not immediately remove files when the selected Backup Set is in an unsafe state. Deletion is blocked when:

  • another export, delete, or retention operation currently holds the Backup Set lock;
  • the Backup Set is actively exporting;
  • an active restore/recovery record depends on that Backup Set;
  • the stored Backup Set path cannot be proven to be the selected managed QCBM folder.

These checks reduce the risk of deleting material that another QCBM operation still needs or removing a folder whose ownership cannot be established.

What Local Deletion Removes

After QCBM removes the managed Backup Set directory successfully, it purges the selected Backup Set's related database records, including export rows/runs, related notifications, operational logs/jobs, restore-point references, backup parts, and the Backup History row itself.

The resulting action is not reversible from QCBM. The Recovery Package and its local artifacts are gone unless another independent copy exists.

If the Physical Files Were Already Missing

If the recorded Backup Set folder is already absent, QCBM can remove the stale Backup History/related operational records instead. The result is reported as a warning because QCBM did not itself remove a complete physical package during that request.

The Permanent Backup Log Is Different

Before purging the Backup Set row, QCBM updates its permanent backup-run history with server-copy deletion information. The dedicated run ledger is not deleted with the normal Backup Set database purge and remains available through Download Backup Log.

This is why deleting a retained Recovery Package does not necessarily erase the historical record that the backup ran.

Off-Site Copies Are Preserved Unless You Explicitly Select Them

If QCBM has recorded completed off-site exports for this Backup Set, the delete dialog can list those destinations and offer an option to delete those verified copies too. Leaving that option unchecked preserves the recorded off-site copies while the local Backup Set is deleted.

Removing local and remote copies together is more destructive and should be treated as a separate decision.

Verify the Result

After deletion, the Backup Set should disappear from Backup History. If you intentionally preserved an off-site copy, verify that copy independently before assuming it remains usable. If you need historical run evidence, download the Backup Log and confirm the deleted Backup Set's run is still represented.

Community Discussion

Want to compare workflows, share practical tips, or discuss how you use this QCBM feature? Visit the QC Backup Manager Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific issues, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.