A copied playlist can have the same filename while containing different bytes or pointing to resources that no longer resolve from its new location. Verify the transfer according to the recovery task rather than assuming that a visible file icon proves a complete backup.
There are two useful questions: did the file’s bytes arrive intact, and does the restored arrangement preserve the relationships needed by the player? The first can be checked with an appropriate digest comparison; the second needs format and dependency checks.
Preserve the source context
Record the original app, export format and date privately. A backup is easier to interpret when its origin is known. Avoid including credentials in the filename, even if the file itself contains sensitive account references.
Relative image paths and local guide files may depend on sibling folders. Copying only the playlist can preserve its bytes perfectly while losing those dependencies. A successful hash comparison therefore does not prove the entire viewing arrangement was transferred.
Verify the copy
Do not upload the private file to a public hashing service just to compare it. A suitable local operation can answer the byte-equality question without exposing the catalogue. Keep the expected digest attributable to the original copy being compared.
- Keep the original until the intended recovery is checked.
- Compare file size and a suitable locally calculated digest when byte identity matters.
- Confirm that referenced local resources were included where required.
- Import through the supported destination route.
- Test a representative entry, guide relationship and relevant local preference.
Record partial recovery honestly
An export may omit progress, profiles or favourites even when transfer is perfect. That is an export-scope limitation rather than transfer corruption. Compare the backup’s documented contents with the household’s actual recovery needs.
If the destination uses another application, it may ignore source-specific fields. Record that behaviour separately from byte integrity. A file can arrive unchanged yet be interpreted differently by the receiver.
A good transfer note includes the original and destination context, byte-comparison result and specific restored features checked. State what remains untested. That evidence makes it safe to retire the original only when the actual recovery goal has been met, without pretending that one matching checksum establishes complete setup portability.
Useful answers
Does a matching file hash prove every referenced image was copied?
No. Dependencies can be separate files.
Can a perfect transfer still omit favourites?
Yes, if the export never contained them.
Can another player interpret identical bytes differently?
Yes. Supported fields and import behaviour can differ.