UnixTime

Research Note

Long-Term Archive Recoverability Checklist

Use this checklist to verify that archived information can still be read and interpreted for legal, regulatory, or business retention requirements.

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When to use this

Use this checklist to verify that archived information can still be read and interpreted for legal, regulatory, or business retention requirements.

Checklist

  • Archive contents are indexed.
  • Required media reader is available or migration plan exists.
  • Required software/application version is available.
  • Required database or file format documentation is available.
  • Encryption keys or credentials are recoverable.
  • Integrity of archived media is tested.
  • Migration to supported media is planned where needed.
  • Legal/records owner confirms retention need.

Review table

Archive Retention reason Media/format Recovery dependency Last tested Gap/action
TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD