Where Does Tarsnap Store Keys and Cache?
Tarsnap machine keyfile and chunk cache folder paths on servers for encrypted backups. Covers defaults.
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Tarsnap keeps account state in a keyfile wherever you saved it, often /root/tarsnap.key on servers. That file encrypts every archive for the machine. Cache lives in ~/.cache/tarsnap with chunk references that speed runs.
Actual archives sit on Tarsnap servers, billed by usage. Back up the keyfile with account details. Keep the key offline and separate from the machine. Cache rebuilds from servers when missing. Deduplication keeps bandwidth bills low. Scrub jobs verify archive integrity monthly.
Where Tarsnap stores this, by platform
/root/tarsnap.key (keyfile)
Machine key that encrypts all archives for the host. Created with tarsnap-keygen. Keep offline copies in separate places.
~/.cache/tarsnap
Chunk reference cache that speeds archive creation. Safe to delete with Tarsnap idle. Respects XDG cache home when set.
Frequently asked questions
what do i back up for a Tarsnap machine move
Copy the keyfile with the machine name and account password. The key encrypts every archive. Cache in ~/.cache/tarsnap speeds runs. Without the key archives are unreadable.
can I copy backed up files from the cache folder
No. Tarsnap keeps archive contents on its servers with local cache only. The cache folder holds chunk references. Download through the client to restore files.
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