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How to test your backups (seriously)

A backup you haven’t tested is just a theory.

Thanasis Karavasilis avatar
Written by Thanasis Karavasilis
Updated over a week ago

So—you’ve set up your backup strategy. Feels good, right?

But here’s the thing: backups can fail quietly. Files get skipped. Drives go bad. Sync tools stop working.

And you won’t know until it’s too late… unless you test.

Run a “backup fire drill”

Once in a while, try restoring a file from your backup:

  • Can you access it?

  • Is the version what you expected?

  • Is it in the right place?

  • Does it open properly?

If anything’s off, now’s the time to fix it—not when you're on deadline or dealing with a data disaster.

Think of it like brushing your teeth

You don’t wait for a cavity to start flossing, right? (…Right?)

Testing your backups is a quick, proactive habit that can save you days—or years—of stress.


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