Back up and restore a Condition Zero server

Back up and restore a Condition Zero server. Version-specific steps, checks, rollback, and upstream sources for GoldSrc (Condition Zero branch).

Counter-Strike: Condition ZeroGoldSrcClassic

SHORT ANSWER

A Counter-Strike: Condition Zero backup is useful only when its restore is tested. Preserve operator-owned configs, addons, custom content, data, logs needed for audit, and a version manifest; reinstall Steam-managed stock files through SteamCMD instead of treating an opaque binary copy as the only recovery method.

Before you change anything

A legitimate Steam installation or dedicated-server installation for Counter-Strike: Condition Zero.
A backup of every file that will be changed.
Access to the local client console or the dedicated-server console, as appropriate.

Version-specific procedure

Stop the server cleanly or use an application-consistent snapshot method.
Archive operator configs, addon trees, custom maps/assets, persistent plugin data, and service definitions.
Record game package/build, plugin versions, operating system, ownership, and startup command without secrets.
Create a fresh restore directory, install/validate stock files, and overlay the operator archive.
Start privately, load a stock and custom map, verify plugins, query the server, and perform one player connection.

Verify the result

The restore test uses a different directory or host from production.
Stock and custom maps load and the addon list matches the manifest.
The backup can be decrypted/read by the designated recovery process.

Rollback

Keep production stopped only for the planned window; if restore validation fails, restart the untouched production tree and investigate the copy.

Common pitfalls

A successful archive command is not a restore test.