Make & keep
Back up photo strips and test the recovery
A second copy matters only if it can be found and opened.
The most precious strip is often the one you would struggle to replace. Digital copies deserve a practical recovery plan as well as a familiar folder icon.
Start with the documented rule
The National Archives recommends three copies, on two different media, with one off-site. The purpose is to avoid having one failure remove every copy. A synchronised deletion can affect linked locations, so distinguish a recoverable backup from a second view of the same library.
Evidence: Preservation guidance
Write a small recovery card
Our card records the master location, backup location, last copy date and the person who can find it. Keep front, reverse and caption files together. If another family member should inherit the archive, explain its references and organisation without putting passwords in the photo catalogue.
Try a single-file restore
Choose a strip at random, recover it into a separate test folder and open both sides. Compare the file dimensions with the master and read the associated note. Record the result. A successful test of one file does not validate every item, but it catches simple problems before the only copy is lost.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- US National Archives — digitising family archivesPreservation guidance