Inventory restored and missing state
Note which parts returned: skin, library entries, add-ons, sources or playback history. Then locate the media storage, such as an external drive or NAS. A library entry can be restored while its referenced file remains on another device that is currently disconnected.
For a hypothetical example, Kodi data may return to a new computer while a USB media drive is still attached to the old one. The missing connection is a different fact from a failed library-database restoration. Keep the source path and physical storage in your private recovery notes.
Check access without rewriting everything
Confirm that the authorised storage is present and reachable through its supported route. Preserve the restored source definitions before editing them. If a drive letter or network location differs, record that difference instead of deleting the entire library to make the error disappear.
Use one known permitted file to check the path. Record the exact error message from that single item. A small targeted comparison is clearer than rescanning thousands of items while the underlying storage is unavailable. Do not repeatedly enter a service password to address a physically disconnected local drive.
Improve the recovery plan
Keep configuration and media backups listed separately, including their locations and dates. Kodi’s guide also limits full-data-folder transfers across operating systems and major versions; use the appropriate migration method rather than assuming every full copy is portable.
For support, describe the restoration method, old and new platforms, restored state and exact missing file location, with credentials redacted. A successful configuration restoration is valuable evidence, but it does not prove the media archive was backed up or that the new system has permission to reach it.