What Is a QCBM Recovery Package?

A QCBM Recovery Package is the portable ZIP used to restore a verified Backup Set without depending on the normal Joomla administrator interface. It bundles the standalone Recovery Runner, instructions, verification metadata, and every backup part required for that Backup Set.

Recovery Packages are available on all QCBM plans. Store them somewhere that remains available even if the original Joomla server is lost.

What the Recovery Package Contains

  • index.php, a temporary launcher that opens the PIN-protected Recovery Runner.
  • qcbm-recover.php, the standalone Recovery Runner.
  • qcbm-source-index.php, a verified safety copy of the source Joomla root index file.
  • RECOVERY-INSTRUCTIONS.txt.
  • The verified Backup Set manifest.
  • Every database and/or site-file backup part required by the Backup Set.

The Recovery PIN Belongs to the Backup Set

Each completed Backup Set keeps the four-digit Recovery PIN assigned when it was created. Changing the current PIN in QCBM affects newly created Backup Sets only; it does not change the PIN for an older Recovery Package.

Keep the package and its PIN available to authorized recovery staff, but do not publish or store the PIN in an exposed location beside a publicly accessible package.

Why the Manifest Matters

The manifest identifies the Backup Set and records the files, sizes, and SHA-256 values the runner expects. Verify Backup uses that information to detect missing, incomplete, or altered backup parts before recovery begins.

For split backups, every recorded part is required. One surviving archive segment is not a complete Recovery Package.

Why the Runner Is Standalone

The Recovery Runner operates from files extracted directly into the destination Joomla root. That allows recovery to continue even when the site's normal Joomla frontend or administrator is unavailable.

The runner locks the target root to the physical directory containing qcbm-recover.php; the browser cannot point it at an arbitrary filesystem path.

Where to Store Recovery Packages

Keep at least one Recovery Package away from the web server it protects—such as a tested off-site Export Destination, QCBM Receiver storage, or another controlled backup location. Do not leave the only recovery copy on the same hosting account as production.

Do not extract a Recovery Package into a public Joomla root until you are actually ready to perform recovery.

How a Package Is Used

  1. Extract the complete package into the intended destination Joomla root.
  2. Open the destination over HTTPS when available.
  3. Enter the package's four-digit Recovery PIN.
  4. Select Verify Backup.
  5. Test the locked destination and database, choose the recovery behavior, and only then select Recover Site.

A Recovery Package Is Not a Substitute for Practice

Periodically test an important package on a disposable or staging destination. A verified archive proves package integrity; a practice recovery also proves that your staff can supply the target database credentials, understand the recovery choices, and complete the final validation workflow.

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.