The backup did not work.
COMMON CAUSES
The archive is corrupt or was incompletely transferred The database dump is truncated, usually from a timed-out export The backup is from after the problem started Files restored but the database was not, or the reverse Permissions or ownership wrong after restoring The application configuration does not match the restored database
WHAT TO CHECK
Does the archive open on your own computer Does the SQL file end properly, or stop abruptly Is the file size plausible Was the restore actually completed, or did it time out
IF THE ARCHIVE IS CORRUPT
Try an older backup. This is why keeping several matters.
IF THE DATABASE DUMP IS TRUNCATED
A partial import leaves some tables present and others missing. Drop everything and try a different copy.
IF YOU HAVE NO USABLE BACKUP
Check whether we hold a server-side restore point within retention. Open a ticket with the date you need.
Check whether an archive service holds cached copies of your pages, which at least recovers content.
THE LESSON
Test restores before you need them. A failed restore during an emergency is the worst time to discover the problem.
