diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index ec499c9..c8c5482 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -5,6 +5,24 @@ Format follows [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/); version
 
 ## [Unreleased]
 
+### Fixed
+
+- **A restore whose first start failed never ran its Resync.** The panel
+  removed the restore manifest as soon as it had checked the version, before
+  it opened the database and regenerated the mail maps from it; a start that
+  failed in between left a data directory the next start took for an
+  ordinary one. The manifest is now removed after the Resync is done, so the
+  next start is a restore again (audit 2026-10-12, M1).
+- **An archive unpacked in part was started on.** A download cut short, or a
+  `tar` stopped by a damaged block, left the manifest (the archive's first
+  entry) and half of the rest, and the panel opened whatever database was
+  there. Every archive now ends with `data/contents.json`, the size and
+  SHA-256 of each file under `data/`, and the first start after a restore
+  compares `/data` with it before it opens anything: an archive unpacked in
+  part, or a file that differs, is refused with a message that names it, and
+  the directory is left as it was (guide § Restore). A damaged or cut domain
+  export was already refused before anything is created; a test now says so.
+
 ## [2.5.2] - 2026-10-15
 
 Stage 2c of the 2026-10-12 audit: every place SelfPost relied on what Postfix,
diff --git a/cmd/panel/main.go b/cmd/panel/main.go
index a17da64..e6fae7d 100644
--- a/cmd/panel/main.go
+++ b/cmd/panel/main.go
@@ -281,6 +281,37 @@ func parseTrustedProxies(raw string) []*net.IPNet {
 	return nets
 }
 
+// openData opens the database the panel runs on. When a backup was unpacked
+// into /data, the restore guard comes first (architecture.md § Persistence):
+// the manifest's version must match this binary and the archive must have
+// been unpacked whole before the database is touched, so neither schema skew
+// nor half an archive can corrupt the restored state. That first start then
+// runs resync, and only after it the manifest is consumed: a start that fails
+// on the way leaves it, and the next start is a restore again (audit
+// 2026-10-12, M1). Without a manifest it is an ordinary start.
+func openData(cfg config, resync func(*store.Store) error) (st *store.Store, restored bool, err error) {
+	restored, err = backup.CheckRestore(cfg.manifestPath, buildinfo.Version)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, false, err
+	}
+	st, err = store.Open(cfg.dbPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, false, err
+	}
+	if restored {
+		log.Printf("restore manifest accepted; regenerating mail-path maps from SQLite")
+		if err := resync(st); err != nil {
+			_ = st.Close()
+			return nil, false, err
+		}
+		if err := backup.ConsumeRestore(cfg.manifestPath); err != nil {
+			_ = st.Close()
+			return nil, false, err
+		}
+	}
+	return st, restored, nil
+}
+
 // run starts the panel's three roles and blocks until a shutdown signal or the
 // first fatal error from any role. A signal triggers a clean stop of all
 // roles; a role error cancels the others and is returned so the process exits
@@ -297,31 +328,18 @@ func run() error {
 
 	log.Printf("starting selfpost panel %s", buildinfo.Version)
 
-	// Restore version guard (architecture.md § Persistence): if a backup was
-	// extracted into /data, its manifest version must match this binary before we
-	// touch the database, so schema/format skew between versions cannot corrupt
-	// the restored state. A match consumes the manifest; its absence is the
-	// normal (non-restore) case.
-	restored, err := backup.CheckRestore(cfg.manifestPath, buildinfo.Version)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-
 	// One database handle shared by every role. The store serialises writes
 	// (MaxOpenConns(1)), so the HTTP panel, the journal-milter and the tailer
 	// can all use it without stepping on each other under WAL.
-	st, err := store.Open(cfg.dbPath)
+	st, restored, err := openData(cfg, func(st *store.Store) error {
+		return resyncAfterRestore(cfg, st, false)
+	})
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	defer st.Close()
 
-	if restored {
-		log.Printf("restore manifest accepted; regenerating mail-path maps from SQLite")
-		if err := resyncAfterRestore(cfg, st, false); err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-	} else if cfg.dmarcEnabled {
+	if !restored && cfg.dmarcEnabled {
 		ms := newMailStack(cfg, st)
 		ms.pf.SetReloadHook(func() error { return nil })
 		if err := ms.DMARC.Resync(); err != nil {
diff --git a/cmd/panel/restore_cut_test.go b/cmd/panel/restore_cut_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d8b4d9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmd/panel/restore_cut_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+package main
+
+import (
+	"archive/tar"
+	"bytes"
+	"compress/gzip"
+	"errors"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+
+	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/backup"
+	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/buildinfo"
+	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/store"
+)
+
+// A restore that goes wrong half way must leave the operator where they
+// started: the archive is refused before the database is opened, and a start
+// that fails after the guard is a restore again the next time (audit
+// 2026-10-12, M1 and stage 3).
+
+// A start that fails after the guard - here its Resync - leaves the manifest,
+// so the next start is a restore again and runs the Resync the failed one did
+// not finish. The failed start had the database open, so its files are no
+// longer the archive's; the next start does not compare them again.
+func TestARestoreStartThatFailsIsARestoreAgain(t *testing.T) {
+	target := t.TempDir()
+	extract(t, archiveOf(t, seedPanelProject(t)), target)
+	cfg := panelConfig(t, target)
+
+	broken := errors.New("postfix reload failed")
+	if _, _, err := openData(cfg, func(*store.Store) error { return broken }); !errors.Is(err, broken) {
+		t.Fatalf("a start whose Resync failed = %v, want that failure", err)
+	}
+	if _, err := os.Stat(cfg.manifestPath); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the failed start consumed the manifest: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	mapPath := filepath.Join(cfg.dataDir, "postfix", "sender_login_maps")
+	if err := os.WriteFile(mapPath, []byte("stale map\n"), 0o640); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write stale map: %v", err)
+	}
+	st, restored, err := openData(cfg, testResync(cfg))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the start after a failed one: %v", err)
+	}
+	st.Close()
+	if !restored {
+		t.Fatal("the start after a failed one did not take the data directory for a restore")
+	}
+	if got, _ := os.ReadFile(mapPath); string(got) != "@"+restoreDomain+" shop\n" {
+		t.Errorf("sender map = %q: the second start did not run the Resync", got)
+	}
+	for _, name := range []string{backup.ManifestName, backup.ContentsName, "contents.checked.json"} {
+		if _, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(cfg.dataDir, name)); !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			t.Errorf("%s is still there after the restore start succeeded (stat err = %v)", name, err)
+		}
+	}
+
+	st, restored, err = openData(cfg, func(*store.Store) error {
+		t.Error("an ordinary start ran the restore Resync")
+		return nil
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the ordinary start after the restore: %v", err)
+	}
+	st.Close()
+	if restored {
+		t.Error("the start after a finished restore took it for a restore again")
+	}
+}
+
+// An archive unpacked in part - a download cut short, a tar stopped by a
+// damaged block - is refused before the database is opened, with a message
+// that says so, and nothing in the directory is changed: the database the
+// archive left is as it left it, and the manifest is there for the next try.
+func TestAnArchiveUnpackedInPartIsRefused(t *testing.T) {
+	archive := archiveOf(t, seedPanelProject(t))
+	dbSize := entrySize(t, archive, backup.DataArchivePrefix+"selfpost.db")
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name string
+		cut  string
+		at   int64
+	}{
+		{"in the database", backup.DataArchivePrefix + "selfpost.db", dbSize / 2},
+		{"before the deploy files", backup.ComposeFileName, 0},
+		{"in its last entry", backup.DataArchivePrefix + backup.ContentsName, 10},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			target := t.TempDir()
+			extractCut(t, archive, target, c.cut, c.at)
+			cfg := panelConfig(t, target)
+			before, err := os.ReadFile(cfg.dbPath)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("the cut archive left no database: %v", err)
+			}
+
+			_, _, err = openData(cfg, func(*store.Store) error {
+				t.Error("a refused restore ran its Resync")
+				return nil
+			})
+			if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not unpacked whole") {
+				t.Fatalf("the start on an archive cut %s = %v, want it refused as unpacked in part", c.name, err)
+			}
+
+			if after, _ := os.ReadFile(cfg.dbPath); !bytes.Equal(before, after) {
+				t.Error("the refused start changed the database")
+			}
+			for _, side := range []string{"-wal", "-shm", "-journal"} {
+				if _, err := os.Stat(cfg.dbPath + side); !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+					t.Errorf("selfpost.db%s exists: the refused start opened the database", side)
+				}
+			}
+			if _, err := os.Stat(cfg.manifestPath); err != nil {
+				t.Errorf("the refused start removed the manifest: %v", err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// A file the archive holds and the data directory holds otherwise - damaged
+// on the way, or unpacked from another archive - is refused by its name.
+func TestADamagedRestoredFileIsRefusedByName(t *testing.T) {
+	target := t.TempDir()
+	extract(t, archiveOf(t, seedPanelProject(t)), target)
+	cfg := panelConfig(t, target)
+
+	key := filepath.Join(cfg.dataDir, "opendkim", "keys", restoreDomain, "selfpost.private")
+	f, err := os.OpenFile(key, os.O_WRONLY|os.O_APPEND, 0)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("open key: %v", err)
+	}
+	f.WriteString("x")
+	f.Close()
+
+	_, _, err = openData(cfg, func(*store.Store) error {
+		t.Error("a refused restore ran its Resync")
+		return nil
+	})
+	want := "data/opendkim/keys/" + restoreDomain + "/selfpost.private"
+	if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), want) {
+		t.Fatalf("the start on a damaged key = %v, want a refusal naming %s", err, want)
+	}
+}
+
+// archiveOf takes a full backup of a seeded project for this binary's version.
+func archiveOf(t *testing.T, deployRoot string) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	dataDir := filepath.Join(deployRoot, "data")
+	var archive bytes.Buffer
+	if err := backup.Create(&archive, backup.Params{
+		DataDir:    dataDir,
+		DBPath:     filepath.Join(dataDir, "selfpost.db"),
+		Version:    buildinfo.Version,
+		DeployRoot: deployRoot,
+	}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("create backup: %v", err)
+	}
+	return archive.Bytes()
+}
+
+// entrySize is the size of the archive's entry name.
+func entrySize(t *testing.T, archive []byte, name string) int64 {
+	t.Helper()
+	gz, err := gzip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(archive))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("gzip: %v", err)
+	}
+	tr := tar.NewReader(gz)
+	for {
+		hdr, err := tr.Next()
+		if err == io.EOF {
+			t.Fatalf("the archive has no %s", name)
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("read the archive: %v", err)
+		}
+		if hdr.Name == name {
+			return hdr.Size
+		}
+	}
+}
diff --git a/cmd/panel/restore_test.go b/cmd/panel/restore_test.go
index ef562eb..1b2c4e5 100644
--- a/cmd/panel/restore_test.go
+++ b/cmd/panel/restore_test.go
@@ -27,7 +27,8 @@ import (
 // below stubs that story out — the archive is downloaded from a running panel
 // through /backup, unpacked the way `tar -xzf` unpacks it, and a second panel
 // is started on the result through the same startup sequence run() uses:
-// CheckRestore, store.Open, newPanel, Start.
+// openData (CheckRestore, store.Open, Resync, ConsumeRestore), newPanel,
+// Start.
 
 const (
 	restorePassword = "correct-horse-battery"
@@ -171,22 +172,17 @@ func TestResyncAfterRestoreHealsDriftedMaps(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("write manifest: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	restored, err := backup.CheckRestore(cfg.manifestPath, buildinfo.Version)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("CheckRestore: %v", err)
-	}
-	if !restored {
-		t.Fatal("CheckRestore did not report a restore")
-	}
+	// A record of no files: this test is about the maps, and the files it
+	// seeded were never in an archive.
+	writeContents(t, dataDir, backup.Contents{Format: backup.FormatContents})
 
-	st, err := store.Open(cfg.dbPath)
+	st, restored, err := openData(cfg, testResync(cfg))
 	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("open store: %v", err)
+		t.Fatalf("open the restored data: %v", err)
 	}
 	defer st.Close()
-
-	if err := resyncAfterRestore(cfg, st, true); err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("resync after restore: %v", err)
+	if !restored {
+		t.Fatal("the start did not take the data directory for a restore")
 	}
 
 	got, err := os.ReadFile(mapPath)
@@ -326,28 +322,17 @@ func bootPanel(t *testing.T, deployRoot string) http.Handler {
 	t.Helper()
 	cfg := panelConfig(t, deployRoot)
 
-	restored, err := backup.CheckRestore(cfg.manifestPath, buildinfo.Version)
+	st, restored, err := openData(cfg, testResync(cfg))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("the panel refused to start on %s: %v", deployRoot, err)
 	}
+	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = st.Close() })
 	if restored {
 		if _, err := os.Stat(cfg.manifestPath); err == nil {
 			t.Errorf("the restore manifest was not consumed, so the next start is gated by it too")
 		}
 	}
 
-	st, err := store.Open(cfg.dbPath)
-	if err != nil {
-		t.Fatalf("open the restored database: %v", err)
-	}
-	t.Cleanup(func() { _ = st.Close() })
-
-	if restored {
-		if err := resyncAfterRestore(cfg, st, true); err != nil {
-			t.Fatalf("resync after restore: %v", err)
-		}
-	}
-
 	panel, err := newPanel(cfg, st)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("build the panel: %v", err)
@@ -417,6 +402,15 @@ func downloadBackup(t *testing.T, h http.Handler, session *http.Cookie, password
 // extract unpacks a backup archive into dir, as `tar -xzf` does onto the project
 // directory before the image is started.
 func extract(t *testing.T, archive []byte, dir string) {
+	t.Helper()
+	extractCut(t, archive, dir, "", 0)
+}
+
+// extractCut unpacks the archive as extract does, except that the stream ends
+// cutAt bytes into the entry named cut: that entry is written as far as the
+// stream went and nothing after it is, which is what tar leaves of a download
+// cut short or a damaged block. An empty cut unpacks the whole archive.
+func extractCut(t *testing.T, archive []byte, dir, cut string, cutAt int64) {
 	t.Helper()
 	gz, err := gzip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(archive))
 	if err != nil {
@@ -426,6 +420,9 @@ func extract(t *testing.T, archive []byte, dir string) {
 	for {
 		hdr, err := tr.Next()
 		if err == io.EOF {
+			if cut != "" {
+				t.Fatalf("the archive has no entry %s to cut", cut)
+			}
 			break
 		}
 		if err != nil {
@@ -436,6 +433,10 @@ func extract(t *testing.T, archive []byte, dir string) {
 			t.Fatalf("the archive escapes the directory it is extracted into: %q", hdr.Name)
 		}
 		path := filepath.Join(dir, name)
+		var body io.Reader = tr
+		if hdr.Name == cut {
+			body = io.LimitReader(tr, cutAt)
+		}
 
 		switch hdr.Typeflag {
 		case tar.TypeDir:
@@ -450,7 +451,7 @@ func extract(t *testing.T, archive []byte, dir string) {
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("create %s: %v", path, err)
 			}
-			if _, err := io.Copy(f, tr); err != nil {
+			if _, err := io.Copy(f, body); err != nil {
 				f.Close()
 				t.Fatalf("write %s: %v", path, err)
 			}
@@ -458,6 +459,28 @@ func extract(t *testing.T, archive []byte, dir string) {
 				t.Fatalf("close %s: %v", path, err)
 			}
 		}
+		if hdr.Name == cut {
+			return
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// testResync is the Resync a restore start runs, without reloading daemons
+// the test does not have.
+func testResync(cfg config) func(*store.Store) error {
+	return func(st *store.Store) error { return resyncAfterRestore(cfg, st, true) }
+}
+
+// writeContents writes the record of an archive's files into dataDir, as the
+// archive's last entry would have.
+func writeContents(t *testing.T, dataDir string, c backup.Contents) {
+	t.Helper()
+	body, err := json.Marshal(c)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("marshal contents: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := os.WriteFile(filepath.Join(dataDir, backup.ContentsName), body, 0o600); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("write contents: %v", err)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/docs/architecture.md b/docs/architecture.md
index 5affeab..3735568 100644
--- a/docs/architecture.md
+++ b/docs/architecture.md
@@ -960,7 +960,8 @@ single-connection trade-off that follows from it.
 | `postfix/dmarc_relay_domains` | Domains accepted for DMARC report delivery |
 | `postfix/queue/` | Postfix transit mail (deferred/active); survives container recreate |
 | `log/mail.log` | Postfix delivery log + rotated copies (excluded from backups) |
-| `manifest.json` | Backup version stamp (consumed on restore) |
+| `manifest.json` | Backup version stamp; removed by the first start after a restore once its Resync is done |
+| `contents.json` | A backup's last entry: the size and SHA-256 of each file under `data/`, compared by the first start after a restore before it opens the database (renamed `contents.checked.json` once compared, removed with the manifest) |
 
 Not in `/data`: TLS certificates for the panel (reverse-proxy mount) — though
 full backups also archive the operator's `./certs` PEM files when present.
diff --git a/docs/audit-2026-10-12.md b/docs/audit-2026-10-12.md
index c7427b0..f4d3823 100644
--- a/docs/audit-2026-10-12.md
+++ b/docs/audit-2026-10-12.md
@@ -1074,11 +1074,24 @@ those after it move up one patch number each.
 
 ### Stage 3 — persistence and restore (M1–M5, L1–L4, L7) → `2.5.3`
 
-- [ ] **Consume the manifest after the resync succeeds** (`CheckRestore` reports;
+- [x] **Consume the manifest after the resync succeeds** (`CheckRestore` reports;
    `run` deletes after `resyncAfterRestore` returns nil). Test: Resync fails →
    manifest kept → second boot resyncs. And a corrupted or truncated archive
    is refused on restore and on import with its message, nothing half
    written (a row of review-2026-08-followups, placed here 2026-10-14). — **Opus**
+   *Done 2026-10-15:* `cmd/panel` `openData` runs CheckRestore, `store.Open`,
+   the Resync and then `backup.ConsumeRestore`. A truncated archive had
+   nothing to refuse it - the manifest is the first entry, so half an
+   archive was a restore on half a database: every archive now ends with
+   `data/contents.json` (size and SHA-256 of each `data/` file; the deploy
+   files are the operator's to edit), CheckRestore compares `/data` with it
+   before the database is opened and renames it `contents.checked.json`, so
+   a start after a failed one (which had the database open) does not compare
+   again unless the manifest changed. Tests: the start that fails, a cut in
+   the database / before the deploy files / in the last entry (database
+   untouched, no `-wal`), a damaged key named; the domain import of a cut
+   plain export, a cut and an altered `.spde` (each refused, nothing
+   created). The CLI's `-decrypt -o` is step 3.
 - [ ] **Indexes**: `idx_send_log_domain_created_at (domain_id, created_at)` —
    on the id column stage 2 adds, replacing `idx_send_log_domain`;
    partial `idx_send_log_queued (created_at) WHERE status = 'queued'`;
diff --git a/docs/guide.md b/docs/guide.md
index 224afae..f9839f0 100644
--- a/docs/guide.md
+++ b/docs/guide.md
@@ -809,7 +809,9 @@ blocked. On that same first boot the panel also runs one **Resync** — OpenDKIM
 tables and Postfix's sender map are re-derived from SQLite (inbound relay maps
 when `INBOUND_RELAY_ENABLE=true`; DMARC maps when `DMARC_REPORTS_ENABLE=true`)
 and both daemons are reloaded, healing any drift between the extracted files and
-the database. The *Reload configuration* button on Server › Health resyncs
+the database. The manifest is deleted only after that Resync is done: a first
+start that fails on the way leaves it, and the next start is a restore again
+and runs the Resync. The *Reload configuration* button on Server › Health resyncs
 OpenDKIM, the sender map, and inbound maps only — not DMARC maps. This is why the
 compose file pins a fixed tag rather than `:latest`: without a known version,
 there'd be no way to tell which image restoring a given backup actually requires
@@ -857,6 +859,20 @@ tag](#fixed-image-tag) if it is not published), then `docker compose up -d`
 again — the manifest is still there because the failed boot never got to
 delete it.
 
+An archive unpacked **in part** — a download cut short, or a `tar` that
+stopped at a damaged block (it says so and exits non-zero) — is refused at
+step 5 as well, before the database is opened:
+
+```
+backup: the archive was not unpacked whole (data/contents.json, its last entry, is not there) - it was cut short or is damaged; nothing was opened. Unpack it again, from an intact copy, into an empty directory
+```
+
+The last entry of every panel and CLI archive, `data/contents.json`, records
+each file under `data/` with its size and SHA-256, and the first start
+compares `/data` with it; a file that differs is named in the message.
+`docker-compose.yml`, `.env` and `certs/` are not compared — they are yours to
+edit before that start.
+
 **Moving to a different host** is the same flow: create an empty project
 directory, unpack the backup there, edit `.env` (and `docker-compose.yml` if
 needed) for the new hostname or proxy, then `docker compose up -d`. The archive
diff --git a/docs/roadmap.md b/docs/roadmap.md
index 23be959..795823e 100644
--- a/docs/roadmap.md
+++ b/docs/roadmap.md
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ in `git log` and [CHANGELOG.md](../CHANGELOG.md).
 | from-header-binding | Hold a message's `From:` header against the application that sends it | shipped `2.4.0` | 9/9 | [plans/from-header-binding.md](plans/from-header-binding.md) |
 | panel-redesign | Panel redesign (accepted mockups, design contract) | shipped `2.0.0` | 27/27 | [plans/panel-redesign.md](plans/panel-redesign.md) |
 | schema-squash | Squash SQLite migrations into a 2.x baseline | built in panel-redesign (stage 1) | — | [plans/panel-redesign.md](plans/panel-redesign.md) |
-| audit-2026-10-12 | Follow-ups of the 2026-10-12 full-tree code audit, seven stages | in progress (stage 0 shipped `2.4.2`, stages 1+2 `2.5.0`, 2b `2.5.1`, 2c `2.5.2`; next stage 3 → `2.5.3`) | 49/81 | [audit-2026-10-12.md](audit-2026-10-12.md) |
+| audit-2026-10-12 | Follow-ups of the 2026-10-12 full-tree code audit, seven stages | in progress (stage 0 shipped `2.4.2`, stages 1+2 `2.5.0`, 2b `2.5.1`, 2c `2.5.2`; next stage 3 → `2.5.3`) | 50/81 | [audit-2026-10-12.md](audit-2026-10-12.md) |
 
 **Recommended order** (not binding; owner, 2026-10-09: feature order follows
 development convenience): **panel-redesign** shipped as `2.0.0` (2026-10-11) and
diff --git a/internal/backup/backup.go b/internal/backup/backup.go
index 9c8a585..d5055bf 100644
--- a/internal/backup/backup.go
+++ b/internal/backup/backup.go
@@ -15,7 +15,8 @@
 // restore-specific steps the panel runs are CheckRestore, which refuses to
 // boot if the manifest's version does not match the running binary so
 // schema/format skew between versions cannot silently corrupt state
-// (architecture.md § Persistence), and a one-time Resync of OpenDKIM's tables
+// (architecture.md § Persistence), or if the archive was unpacked in part
+// (ContentsName), and a one-time Resync of OpenDKIM's tables
 // and the Postfix sender map from SQLite on that first boot, so any drift
 // between the archive and the database is healed before mail flows. If
 // on-disk state drifts again later — for example after a manual edit under
@@ -25,6 +26,7 @@ package backup
 
 import (
 	"archive/tar"
+	"bytes"
 	"compress/gzip"
 	"database/sql"
 	"encoding/json"
@@ -113,12 +115,15 @@ var excludedFromArchive = map[string]bool{
 	"tls":                 true,
 	"log":                 true,
 	ManifestName:          true,
+	ContentsName:          true,
+	contentsCheckedName:   true,
 }
 
 // Create writes a gzip-compressed tar backup to w. Archive layout:
 //
 //	data/manifest.json, data/selfpost.db, data/<rest of /data>
 //	docker-compose.yml, .env, certs/...
+//	data/contents.json
 //
 // Extract the archive into an empty project directory, then docker compose up.
 func Create(w io.Writer, p Params) error {
@@ -140,6 +145,7 @@ func Create(w io.Writer, p Params) error {
 
 	gz := gzip.NewWriter(w)
 	tw := tar.NewWriter(gz)
+	a := &archive{tw: tw}
 
 	manifest := Manifest{
 		Format:    FormatFull,
@@ -150,21 +156,26 @@ func Create(w io.Writer, p Params) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("backup: encode manifest: %w", err)
 	}
-	if err := writeTarBytes(tw, DataArchivePrefix+ManifestName, 0o600, manifestJSON); err != nil {
+	if err := writeTarBytes(a, DataArchivePrefix+ManifestName, 0o600, manifestJSON); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
 	// The consistent SQLite snapshot, under the canonical filename the panel
 	// opens on start (the live file and its WAL/SHM are excluded from the walk).
-	if err := writeTarFile(tw, DataArchivePrefix+"selfpost.db", 0o640, snapshot); err != nil {
+	if err := writeTarFile(a, DataArchivePrefix+"selfpost.db", 0o640, snapshot); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	if err := addTree(tw, p.DataDir, DataArchivePrefix, excludedFromArchive, skipQueue, false); err != nil {
+	if err := addTree(a, p.DataDir, DataArchivePrefix, excludedFromArchive, skipQueue, false); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	if err := addDeployFiles(tw, p.DeployRoot, p.OnWarn); err != nil {
+	if err := addDeployFiles(a, p.DeployRoot, p.OnWarn); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	// Last, so that only an archive unpacked to its end has it.
+	if err := a.writeContents(); err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
@@ -249,7 +260,7 @@ func UnreadableCert(err error, deployRoot string) (name string, ok bool) {
 	return CertsDirName + "/" + filepath.ToSlash(rel), true
 }
 
-func addDeployFiles(tw *tar.Writer, deployRoot string, onWarn func(string)) error {
+func addDeployFiles(a *archive, deployRoot string, onWarn func(string)) error {
 	for _, name := range []string{ComposeFileName, EnvFileName} {
 		src := filepath.Join(deployRoot, name)
 		info, err := os.Stat(src)
@@ -259,7 +270,7 @@ func addDeployFiles(tw *tar.Writer, deployRoot string, onWarn func(string)) erro
 		if !info.Mode().IsRegular() {
 			return fmt.Errorf("backup: deploy file %s is not a regular file", name)
 		}
-		if err := writeTarFile(tw, name, info.Mode().Perm(), src); err != nil {
+		if err := writeTarFile(a, name, info.Mode().Perm(), src); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 	}
@@ -286,19 +297,19 @@ func addDeployFiles(tw *tar.Writer, deployRoot string, onWarn func(string)) erro
 	// are links again, relative, into archive/ (eff-certbot docs, "Where are
 	// my certificates?"; assumptions C-Q4, C-A1). The archive carries the
 	// files they lead to, under the links' names.
-	return addTree(tw, certsDir, CertsDirName+"/", nil, nil, true)
+	return addTree(a, certsDir, CertsDirName+"/", nil, nil, true)
 }
 
 // addTree walks root and adds every regular file (and directory, to preserve
-// empty ones and modes) to tw under archivePrefix + path relative to root.
+// empty ones and modes) to a under archivePrefix + path relative to root.
 // When exclude is non-nil, top-level names relative to root are skipped; skip,
-// when non-nil, leaves out whatever it says. With a nil tw nothing is written:
+// when non-nil, leaves out whatever it says. With a nil a nothing is written:
 // every file is opened and closed, which is how Check finds what cannot be read.
 // Non-regular, non-directory entries (symlinks, sockets) are skipped - except,
 // with follow, a symbolic link to a regular file, which is archived as that
 // file under the link's name; a link that leads nowhere this process can
 // reach is an error, as an unreadable file is.
-func addTree(tw *tar.Writer, root, archivePrefix string, exclude map[string]bool, skip skipFunc, follow bool) error {
+func addTree(a *archive, root, archivePrefix string, exclude map[string]bool, skip skipFunc, follow bool) error {
 	return filepath.WalkDir(root, func(path string, d fs.DirEntry, err error) error {
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
@@ -334,7 +345,7 @@ func addTree(tw *tar.Writer, root, archivePrefix string, exclude map[string]bool
 		}
 		switch {
 		case d.IsDir():
-			if tw == nil {
+			if a == nil {
 				return nil
 			}
 			hdr := &tar.Header{
@@ -343,9 +354,9 @@ func addTree(tw *tar.Writer, root, archivePrefix string, exclude map[string]bool
 				Mode:     int64(info.Mode().Perm()),
 				ModTime:  info.ModTime(),
 			}
-			return tw.WriteHeader(hdr)
+			return a.tw.WriteHeader(hdr)
 		case info.Mode().IsRegular():
-			err := writeTarFile(tw, name, info.Mode().Perm(), path)
+			err := writeTarFile(a, name, info.Mode().Perm(), path)
 			if errors.Is(err, fs.ErrNotExist) {
 				// A writer's temporary file, renamed into place between
 				// the listing and the open: not part of /data's state.
@@ -360,7 +371,7 @@ func addTree(tw *tar.Writer, root, archivePrefix string, exclude map[string]bool
 			if !target.Mode().IsRegular() {
 				return nil
 			}
-			return writeTarFile(tw, name, target.Mode().Perm(), path)
+			return writeTarFile(a, name, target.Mode().Perm(), path)
 		default:
 			return nil
 		}
@@ -368,21 +379,14 @@ func addTree(tw *tar.Writer, root, archivePrefix string, exclude map[string]bool
 }
 
 // writeTarBytes writes an in-memory file entry.
-func writeTarBytes(tw *tar.Writer, name string, mode int64, data []byte) error {
-	hdr := &tar.Header{
+func writeTarBytes(a *archive, name string, mode int64, data []byte) error {
+	return a.writeFile(&tar.Header{
 		Typeflag: tar.TypeReg,
 		Name:     name,
 		Mode:     mode,
 		Size:     int64(len(data)),
 		ModTime:  time.Now().UTC(),
-	}
-	if err := tw.WriteHeader(hdr); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("backup: write header %s: %w", name, err)
-	}
-	if _, err := tw.Write(data); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("backup: write %s: %w", name, err)
-	}
-	return nil
+	}, bytes.NewReader(data))
 }
 
 // writeTarFile streams a file from disk into the archive under name.
@@ -394,13 +398,13 @@ func writeTarBytes(tw *tar.Writer, name string, mode int64, data []byte) error {
 // the queue are not walked), and a rename leaves the file open here as it
 // was: the archive holds the old file or the new one, whole (assumptions
 // C-Q3).
-func writeTarFile(tw *tar.Writer, name string, mode fs.FileMode, srcPath string) error {
+func writeTarFile(a *archive, name string, mode fs.FileMode, srcPath string) error {
 	f, err := os.Open(srcPath)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("backup: open %s: %w", srcPath, err)
 	}
 	defer f.Close()
-	if tw == nil {
+	if a == nil {
 		return nil
 	}
 
@@ -408,20 +412,13 @@ func writeTarFile(tw *tar.Writer, name string, mode fs.FileMode, srcPath string)
 	if err != nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("backup: stat %s: %w", srcPath, err)
 	}
-	hdr := &tar.Header{
+	return a.writeFile(&tar.Header{
 		Typeflag: tar.TypeReg,
 		Name:     name,
 		Mode:     int64(mode.Perm()),
 		Size:     info.Size(),
 		ModTime:  info.ModTime(),
-	}
-	if err := tw.WriteHeader(hdr); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("backup: write header %s: %w", name, err)
-	}
-	if _, err := io.Copy(tw, f); err != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("backup: copy %s: %w", name, err)
-	}
-	return nil
+	}, f)
 }
 
 // snapshotDB produces a consistent copy of the SQLite database at dbPath using
@@ -463,10 +460,13 @@ func snapshotDB(dbPath string) (path string, cleanup func(), err error) {
 // CheckRestore enforces the backup version guard (architecture.md §
 // Persistence). If manifestPath exists (a backup was extracted into the data
 // directory), its version must match binaryVersion or the panel refuses to
-// start, telling the operator which image tag to use. On a match the manifest
-// is consumed (deleted) so it guards only the first boot after a restore and
-// never blocks a later in-place image upgrade, and restored is true so the
-// caller can heal drifted daemon maps once. Absence of the manifest is the
+// start, telling the operator which image tag to use; and the data directory
+// must hold every file the archive recorded at its end, as the archive holds
+// it, or the panel refuses to start on an archive unpacked in part (see
+// ContentsName). Then restored is true so the caller can heal drifted daemon
+// maps once. The manifest stays until the caller has done that and calls
+// ConsumeRestore: a start that fails on the way leaves it, and the next start
+// is a restore again (audit 2026-10-12, M1). Absence of the manifest is the
 // normal case and returns restored == false with a nil error.
 func CheckRestore(manifestPath, binaryVersion string) (restored bool, err error) {
 	data, err := os.ReadFile(manifestPath)
@@ -489,10 +489,24 @@ func CheckRestore(manifestPath, binaryVersion string) (restored bool, err error)
 			"backup: this backup was created by SelfPost %s but this image is %s — restore into the matching image (selfpost:%s)",
 			m.Version, binaryVersion, m.Version)
 	}
-	// Version matches: consume the manifest so subsequent normal starts (and
-	// in-place upgrades) are not gated by it.
-	if err := os.Remove(manifestPath); err != nil {
-		return false, fmt.Errorf("backup: consume restore manifest: %w", err)
+	if err := checkContents(filepath.Dir(manifestPath)); err != nil {
+		return false, err
 	}
 	return true, nil
 }
+
+// ConsumeRestore ends a restore once its first start has done what a restore
+// start does: the manifest is removed, so later starts (and in-place
+// upgrades) are not gated by it, and then the record of the checked files. A
+// start stopped between the two leaves the record alone, which nothing reads
+// without a manifest and no backup carries.
+func ConsumeRestore(manifestPath string) error {
+	if err := os.Remove(manifestPath); err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("backup: consume restore manifest: %w", err)
+	}
+	checked := filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(manifestPath), contentsCheckedName)
+	if err := os.Remove(checked); err != nil && !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("backup: consume restore manifest: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/backup/backup_test.go b/internal/backup/backup_test.go
index fce4964..63c7d3f 100644
--- a/internal/backup/backup_test.go
+++ b/internal/backup/backup_test.go
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import (
 	"archive/tar"
 	"bytes"
 	"compress/gzip"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/hex"
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
@@ -200,9 +202,33 @@ func TestCheckRestoreNoManifestIsNormalStart(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestCheckRestoreMatchConsumesManifest(t *testing.T) {
+// unpackData writes the data directory of a Create archive into a new
+// directory and returns the manifest's path there.
+func unpackData(t *testing.T, archive []byte) string {
+	t.Helper()
 	dir := t.TempDir()
-	path := writeManifest(t, dir, FormatFull, "1.0.0")
+	for name, body := range readArchive(t, archive) {
+		if rel, ok := strings.CutPrefix(name, DataArchivePrefix); ok {
+			writeFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, filepath.FromSlash(rel)), body)
+		}
+	}
+	return filepath.Join(dir, ManifestName)
+}
+
+func createArchive(t *testing.T, version string) []byte {
+	t.Helper()
+	dataDir, dbPath, deployRoot := seedDataDir(t)
+	var buf bytes.Buffer
+	if err := Create(&buf, Params{DataDir: dataDir, DBPath: dbPath, Version: version, DeployRoot: deployRoot}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Create: %v", err)
+	}
+	return buf.Bytes()
+}
+
+// A matching restore keeps its manifest until the start that runs it is done
+// with it (audit 2026-10-12, M1): CheckRestore reports, ConsumeRestore ends.
+func TestCheckRestoreMatchKeepsTheManifestUntilConsumed(t *testing.T) {
+	path := unpackData(t, createArchive(t, "1.0.0"))
 	restored, err := CheckRestore(path, "1.0.0")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("CheckRestore matching = %v, want nil", err)
@@ -210,8 +236,145 @@ func TestCheckRestoreMatchConsumesManifest(t *testing.T) {
 	if !restored {
 		t.Fatal("CheckRestore matching did not report a restore")
 	}
-	if _, err := os.Stat(path); !os.IsNotExist(err) {
-		t.Errorf("manifest should be consumed after a matching restore, stat err = %v", err)
+	if _, err := os.Stat(path); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("CheckRestore consumed the manifest before the start was done with it: %v", err)
+	}
+	if err := ConsumeRestore(path); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ConsumeRestore: %v", err)
+	}
+	for _, name := range []string{ManifestName, ContentsName, contentsCheckedName} {
+		if _, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(path), name)); !os.IsNotExist(err) {
+			t.Errorf("%s left after ConsumeRestore (stat err = %v)", name, err)
+		}
+	}
+	if err := ConsumeRestore(path); err != nil {
+		t.Errorf("ConsumeRestore on a consumed restore = %v, want nil", err)
+	}
+}
+
+// The archive's last entry records the data directory's files - every one,
+// with its size and digest - and nothing of the deploy files, which the
+// operator edits before the first start.
+func TestCreateEndsWithTheRecordOfItsData(t *testing.T) {
+	archive := createArchive(t, "1.0.0")
+	gz, err := gzip.NewReader(bytes.NewReader(archive))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("gzip: %v", err)
+	}
+	tr := tar.NewReader(gz)
+	var last string
+	for {
+		hdr, err := tr.Next()
+		if err == io.EOF {
+			break
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("tar next: %v", err)
+		}
+		last = hdr.Name
+	}
+	if last != DataArchivePrefix+ContentsName {
+		t.Fatalf("the last entry is %s, want %s", last, DataArchivePrefix+ContentsName)
+	}
+
+	files := readArchive(t, archive)
+	var c Contents
+	if err := json.Unmarshal([]byte(files[DataArchivePrefix+ContentsName]), &c); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("contents: %v", err)
+	}
+	recorded := map[string]FileSum{}
+	for _, f := range c.Files {
+		recorded[f.Name] = f
+	}
+	for name, body := range files {
+		if name == DataArchivePrefix+ContentsName {
+			continue
+		}
+		f, ok := recorded[name]
+		if !strings.HasPrefix(name, DataArchivePrefix) {
+			if ok {
+				t.Errorf("the record names the deploy file %s", name)
+			}
+			continue
+		}
+		sum := sha256.Sum256([]byte(body))
+		if !ok || f.Size != int64(len(body)) || f.SHA256 != hex.EncodeToString(sum[:]) {
+			t.Errorf("%s recorded as %+v, want size %d sha256 %x", name, f, len(body), sum)
+		}
+		delete(recorded, name)
+	}
+	for name := range recorded {
+		t.Errorf("the record names %s, which the archive does not hold", name)
+	}
+}
+
+// Without the archive's last entry, or with a file that is not the one it
+// holds, a restore is refused, and the manifest stays for the next try.
+func TestCheckRestoreRefusesAnArchiveUnpackedInPart(t *testing.T) {
+	sasldb := func(body string) func(string) {
+		return func(dir string) { writeFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, "sasl", "sasldb2"), body) }
+	}
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name   string
+		break_ func(dir string)
+		want   string
+	}{
+		{"no record", func(dir string) { os.Remove(filepath.Join(dir, ContentsName)) }, "contents.json, its last entry, is not there"},
+		{"a record cut", func(dir string) { writeFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, ContentsName), `{"format":"selfpost-backup-con`) }, "is not a record"},
+		{"a file missing", func(dir string) { os.Remove(filepath.Join(dir, "sasl", "sasldb2")) }, "data/sasl/sasldb2 is missing"},
+		{"a file cut", sasldb("SASL"), "data/sasl/sasldb2 is not the file"},
+		{"a file altered", sasldb("SASLDC"), "data/sasl/sasldb2 is not the file"},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			path := unpackData(t, createArchive(t, "1.0.0"))
+			c.break_(filepath.Dir(path))
+			restored, err := CheckRestore(path, "1.0.0")
+			if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), c.want) || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not unpacked whole") {
+				t.Fatalf("CheckRestore = %v, want a refusal saying %q", err, c.want)
+			}
+			if restored {
+				t.Error("a refused restore reported a restore")
+			}
+			if _, err := os.Stat(path); err != nil {
+				t.Errorf("the refusal removed the manifest: %v", err)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// A record names files of the data directory only; one that names another
+// path is refused, not followed.
+func TestCheckRestoreRefusesARecordOutsideTheDataDirectory(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, name := range []string{"data/../.env", "data/", "docker-compose.yml", "data//sasl/sasldb2", "data/./x", "data/.."} {
+		path := unpackData(t, createArchive(t, "1.0.0"))
+		body, _ := json.Marshal(Contents{Format: FormatContents, Files: []FileSum{{Name: name}}})
+		writeFile(t, filepath.Join(filepath.Dir(path), ContentsName), string(body))
+		if _, err := CheckRestore(path, "1.0.0"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not a file of the data directory") {
+			t.Errorf("a record naming %q = %v, want it refused", name, err)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+// The files are compared once per restore: a start that failed after the
+// check had the database open, and the next start must not take the changes
+// it made for damage. A different archive unpacked over the directory since
+// is compared anew.
+func TestCheckRestoreComparesTheFilesOncePerRestore(t *testing.T) {
+	path := unpackData(t, createArchive(t, "1.0.0"))
+	dir := filepath.Dir(path)
+	if _, err := CheckRestore(path, "1.0.0"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("first CheckRestore: %v", err)
+	}
+	writeFile(t, filepath.Join(dir, "selfpost.db"), "changed by the start that failed")
+	if _, err := CheckRestore(path, "1.0.0"); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("the start after a failed one compared the files again: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Another archive's manifest, its record lost on the way.
+	b, _ := json.Marshal(Manifest{Format: FormatFull, Version: "1.0.0", CreatedAt: "another time"})
+	writeFile(t, path, string(b))
+	if _, err := CheckRestore(path, "1.0.0"); err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not unpacked whole") {
+		t.Fatalf("another archive's manifest over a checked restore = %v, want it compared anew and refused", err)
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/internal/backup/contents.go b/internal/backup/contents.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..de435f3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/backup/contents.go
@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+package backup
+
+import (
+	"archive/tar"
+	"crypto/sha256"
+	"encoding/hex"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"io"
+	"os"
+	"path"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+)
+
+// FormatContents identifies the record of what an archive's data directory
+// holds.
+const FormatContents = "selfpost-backup-contents"
+
+// ContentsName is the record of the data directory's files, the last entry of
+// every archive (data/contents.json). The manifest is the first entry and
+// says a restore is under way; this one says the archive was unpacked to its
+// end. A download cut short, or a tar that stopped at a damaged block, leaves
+// a data directory with the manifest and without this file, and the panel
+// refuses to start on it instead of opening half a database (audit
+// 2026-10-12, stage 3).
+const ContentsName = "contents.json"
+
+// contentsCheckedName is ContentsName once a start has checked the files
+// against it. The check is made once: the start that made it opens the
+// database, and from then on the files are the panel's to change, so a start
+// after a failed one (manifest still there) must not compare them again.
+const contentsCheckedName = "contents.checked.json"
+
+// Contents is the record written as ContentsName.
+type Contents struct {
+	Format string    `json:"format"`
+	Files  []FileSum `json:"files"`
+}
+
+// FileSum is one regular file of the data directory as the archive holds it,
+// named as in the archive (data/...).
+type FileSum struct {
+	Name   string `json:"name"`
+	Size   int64  `json:"size"`
+	SHA256 string `json:"sha256"`
+}
+
+// archive is the tar stream a backup is written to, and the record of the
+// data directory's files written to it so far. A nil *archive writes
+// nothing: every file is opened and closed, which is how Check finds what
+// cannot be read.
+//
+// Only the data directory is recorded. The deploy files are the operator's to
+// edit before the first start - the guide sends them to .env for a new
+// hostname and to docker-compose.yml for the tag - and the data directory is
+// what the panel opens.
+type archive struct {
+	tw    *tar.Writer
+	files []FileSum
+}
+
+// writeFile writes one regular file's header and content, read from r, and
+// records it when it belongs to the data directory.
+func (a *archive) writeFile(hdr *tar.Header, r io.Reader) error {
+	if err := a.tw.WriteHeader(hdr); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("backup: write header %s: %w", hdr.Name, err)
+	}
+	h := sha256.New()
+	n, err := io.Copy(io.MultiWriter(a.tw, h), r)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("backup: copy %s: %w", hdr.Name, err)
+	}
+	if strings.HasPrefix(hdr.Name, DataArchivePrefix) {
+		a.files = append(a.files, FileSum{Name: hdr.Name, Size: n, SHA256: hex.EncodeToString(h.Sum(nil))})
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// writeContents ends the archive's data with the record of what it holds.
+func (a *archive) writeContents() error {
+	body, err := json.MarshalIndent(Contents{Format: FormatContents, Files: a.files}, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("backup: encode contents: %w", err)
+	}
+	return writeTarBytes(&archive{tw: a.tw}, DataArchivePrefix+ContentsName, 0o600, body)
+}
+
+// errUnpackedPart is what a restore that is not whole is refused with.
+func errUnpackedPart(detail string) error {
+	return fmt.Errorf("backup: the archive was not unpacked whole (%s) - it was cut short or is damaged; nothing was opened. Unpack it again, from an intact copy, into an empty directory", detail)
+}
+
+// checkContents compares the data directory with the archive's record, once
+// per restore (see contentsCheckedName).
+func checkContents(dataDir string) error {
+	checked := filepath.Join(dataDir, contentsCheckedName)
+	if c, err := readContents(checked); err == nil {
+		// A start before this one checked the files. It is the same restore
+		// when the manifest is still the one that record holds; a different
+		// archive unpacked over the directory since is checked anew.
+		if verifyFiles(dataDir, c, DataArchivePrefix+ManifestName) == nil {
+			return nil
+		}
+	} else if !errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		return err
+	}
+
+	path := filepath.Join(dataDir, ContentsName)
+	c, err := readContents(path)
+	if errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+		return errUnpackedPart(DataArchivePrefix + ContentsName + ", its last entry, is not there")
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := verifyFiles(dataDir, c, ""); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if err := os.Rename(path, checked); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("backup: mark the restored files checked: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
+// readContents reads a record of the archive's files.
+func readContents(path string) (Contents, error) {
+	var c Contents
+	data, err := os.ReadFile(path)
+	if err != nil {
+		return c, err
+	}
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &c); err != nil || c.Format != FormatContents {
+		return c, errUnpackedPart(filepath.Base(path) + " is not a record of the archive's files")
+	}
+	return c, nil
+}
+
+// verifyFiles compares the files c records with those under dataDir: each
+// present, of its size, with its digest. A non-empty only limits it to the
+// file of that name.
+func verifyFiles(dataDir string, c Contents, only string) error {
+	found := false
+	for _, f := range c.Files {
+		if only != "" && f.Name != only {
+			continue
+		}
+		found = true
+		rel, ok := strings.CutPrefix(f.Name, DataArchivePrefix)
+		if !ok || rel == "" || path.Clean(rel) != rel || rel == ".." || strings.HasPrefix(rel, "../") || path.IsAbs(rel) {
+			return errUnpackedPart("the record names " + f.Name + ", which is not a file of the data directory")
+		}
+		file, err := os.Open(filepath.Join(dataDir, filepath.FromSlash(rel)))
+		if errors.Is(err, os.ErrNotExist) {
+			return errUnpackedPart(f.Name + " is missing")
+		}
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("backup: check %s: %w", f.Name, err)
+		}
+		h := sha256.New()
+		n, err := io.Copy(h, file)
+		file.Close()
+		if err != nil {
+			return fmt.Errorf("backup: check %s: %w", f.Name, err)
+		}
+		if n != f.Size || hex.EncodeToString(h.Sum(nil)) != f.SHA256 {
+			return errUnpackedPart(f.Name + " is not the file the archive holds")
+		}
+	}
+	if only != "" && !found {
+		return errUnpackedPart("the record does not name " + only)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/internal/web/handlers/handlers_import_test.go b/internal/web/handlers/handlers_import_test.go
index a963402..c65062b 100644
--- a/internal/web/handlers/handlers_import_test.go
+++ b/internal/web/handlers/handlers_import_test.go
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package handlers
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"html"
 	"mime/multipart"
 	"net/http"
 	"net/http/httptest"
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 
 	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/domain"
+	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/secretfile"
 	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/store"
 	"github.com/mixeme/selfpost/internal/web/auth"
 )
@@ -116,3 +118,57 @@ func TestDomainImportRefusedCreatesNothing(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("the refused import created %v", domains)
 	}
 }
+
+// A domain export cut short or altered on the way is refused with what is
+// wrong with it, before anything is created (audit 2026-10-12, stage 3).
+func TestDomainImportOfADamagedFileCreatesNothing(t *testing.T) {
+	h, st := inboundHandlers(t)
+	root := userWith(t, st, "root", store.RoleGlobal, store.Reach{})
+	plain, _ := json.Marshal(domain.DomainExport{
+		Format: domain.FormatDomainExport, Domain: "example.com", DKIMSelector: "mail",
+		Applications: []domain.AppExport{{Login: "app1", AddressMode: store.AddressModeWildcard, Password: "imported-password"}},
+	})
+	const password = "a-long-enough-password"
+	var sealed bytes.Buffer
+	w, err := secretfile.NewWriter(&sealed, secretfile.TypeDomainExport, password)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	w.Write(plain)
+	w.Close()
+	flipped := bytes.Clone(sealed.Bytes())
+	flipped[len(flipped)-20] ^= 1
+
+	for _, c := range []struct {
+		name, file, password string
+		body                 []byte
+		want                 string
+	}{
+		{"plain, cut", "example.com.json", "", plain[:len(plain)/2], "That file is not a valid SelfPost domain export."},
+		{"encrypted, cut", "example.com.spde", password, sealed.Bytes()[:sealed.Len()-10], "That file is damaged or incomplete."},
+		{"encrypted, altered", "example.com.spde", password, flipped, "Wrong password, or the file has been altered since it was exported."},
+	} {
+		t.Run(c.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			var body bytes.Buffer
+			mw := multipart.NewWriter(&body)
+			fw, _ := mw.CreateFormFile("file", c.file)
+			fw.Write(c.body)
+			mw.WriteField("import_password", c.password)
+			mw.Close()
+			req := httptest.NewRequest("POST", "/server/backup/import", &body)
+			req.Header.Set("Content-Type", mw.FormDataContentType())
+			req = auth.RequestWithPrincipal(req, root)
+			rec := httptest.NewRecorder()
+			h.HandleImportDomain(rec, req)
+			if rec.Code != http.StatusBadRequest || !strings.Contains(rec.Body.String(), html.EscapeString(c.want)) {
+				t.Fatalf("import = %d, want 400 saying %q:\n%s", rec.Code, c.want, rec.Body.String())
+			}
+			if domains, _ := st.ListDomains(); len(domains) != 0 {
+				t.Fatalf("the refused import created %v", domains)
+			}
+			if _, err := st.GetApplicationByLogin("app1"); err == nil {
+				t.Fatal("the refused import created the application")
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
diff --git a/test/e2e/restore_test.go b/test/e2e/restore_test.go
index d1dee90..60f2067 100644
--- a/test/e2e/restore_test.go
+++ b/test/e2e/restore_test.go
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ func testFullBackupRestore(t *testing.T, sc *scenario) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("unpack the backup into the empty project directory: %v", err)
 	}
-	for _, want := range []string{"docker-compose.yml", ".env", "data/manifest.json", "data/selfpost.db", "certs/fullchain.pem", "certs/privkey.pem"} {
+	for _, want := range []string{"docker-compose.yml", ".env", "data/manifest.json", "data/selfpost.db", "data/contents.json", "certs/fullchain.pem", "certs/privkey.pem"} {
 		if !names[want] {
 			t.Fatalf("the backup has no %s (it has %d entries)", want, len(names))
 		}
@@ -93,12 +93,15 @@ func testFullBackupRestore(t *testing.T, sc *scenario) {
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 
-	// The manifest guards the first start only and is removed by it.
+	// The manifest guards the first start only and is removed by it, with the
+	// record of the archive's files that start compared /data with - after
+	// the entrypoint had set owners and modes and the daemons had started,
+	// which is what this run shows the comparison survives.
 	if err := waitFor("manifest.json to be removed by the first start", 30*time.Second, 500*time.Millisecond, func() (bool, error) {
-		out, _ := h.execIn("selfpost", "sh", "-c", "test -e /data/manifest.json && echo present || echo gone")
-		return strings.TrimSpace(out) == "gone", fmt.Errorf("manifest.json is %s", strings.TrimSpace(out))
+		out, _ := h.execIn("selfpost", "sh", "-c", "ls /data/manifest.json /data/contents.json /data/contents.checked.json 2>/dev/null; true")
+		return strings.TrimSpace(out) == "", fmt.Errorf("still there: %s", strings.TrimSpace(out))
 	}); err != nil {
-		t.Fatal(err)
+		t.Fatalf("%v\n%s", err, logTail(h.logs("selfpost"), "backup"))
 	}
 
 	p, err := newPanelClient()