Project Info & Updates

[Cyclone Boom 16,851]

A read-only topic to view FAQs, latest information, and key progress updates for the Simtropolis Recovery Project.

Quick Links

Simtropolis Returns!
Initial topic commemorating the return of our beloved home.

Calling All Volunteers!
Interested in helping out with the project? If so, we invite you to post and join the SRT!

Delete My File Message Banner!
Have you updated a file and need the banner removing. Post here and we'll take care of it.

Project Updates
A list of posts noting important milestones about ST's road to recovery.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What measures are you taking to ensure such data loss never happens again?

A: This is of utmost importance. Dirk has already setup a full daily SQL database dump which is copied externally. We will be implementing full backups of all site content, which is synced to an offsite cloud location I've purchased. Additionally, Cori and I will be making regular local copies of this, which we'll keep updated.

We can assure you there are harsh lessons learned from this ordeal. We will not let this happen again.

 

Q: So what data is missing, and what do we have preserved?

A: To understand what's safe and what needs recovering, there are three time periods:

  All Lost:  After 28 February 2026 to 26 May 2026:
Unfortunately, because 28 Feb corresponds to our most recent database backup, any new member accounts, posts, or files created during these final three months are lost entirely. At best we'll be able to re-post files, and possibly some other site content.

  Text Only:  17 June 2024 to 28 February 2026:
The text-based details of the site are safe. This means all forum posts, member accounts, and the actual STEX description pages are intact. However, the physical download files (e.g. zip) along with image attachments were lost, meaning we will need to restore them manually or programmatically.

  All Safe:  Before 17 June 2024:
Everything is completely intact. This includes all forum posts, member accounts, PMs, images, and STEX files.

 

Q: How are we going to rebuild all the missing files?

A: This is already in progress, but there's much more to do.

Some authors have been diligently working to re-upload their own files, and we estimate ~20% of the files lost have been restored. Then for additional missing files, I'm currently working on a dynamic list known as the Restoration Tracker, which will help us view what still needs doing.

This will be revealed soon, and we'll have a dedicated discussion topic where you can ask questions and post feedback.

 

Q: If I see one of my own uploads missing from the STEX, should I just re-upload it myself?

A: You're most welcome to re-upload your own content yourself, but please feel under no obligation to. The Recovery Team will be working to go through files and restore as much as we can. Other harder to find items we might need to make a community appeal for. If you do restore your own content, that all helps as part of the process. If you'd like any assistance or unsure what to do, please let us know!

 

Q: I have backups of files but I'm not the original author. Can I still share them?

A: Given these unprecedented times, yes. But best hold off for right now, as the Restoration Tracker will have a way to notify us of any files you have. Then as the volunteers begin the restoration, they will contact you if they need your copy.

(We have big zips already offered which may or may not cover everything.)

 

Q: Can you tell me about the new host?

A: We've since acquired a new server from Hetzner (in Germany), which is at least 10 times more capable than our old one, with twice the RAM and a much more powerful processor. All this too for no more than our old host cost per month, which makes it excellent value for money.

Additionally, Hetzner's tech support have been outstanding. When Dirk reported the instability issues, they presented a range of options. When we asked for the hardware replacement, the technicians completed the process within mere minutes (and free of charge). This gives us confidence we're on a much more robust platform.

 

Q: How can we support Simtropolis financially to help cover costs of the new server?

A: We want to emphasise how this isn't a crisis, but if you wish to help Dirk fund the hosting, there are 2 options:

• Donate via Gumroad which gives you access to download the STEX Collections.
• Donate via PayPal either as a one-off or recurring monthly amount.

All donations are appreciated! They each help keep Simtropolis open and freely available.

[Cyclone Boom 16,851]

Project Updates

02 June 2026: Selected Images Restored from the Internet Archive

Further updates will be added here.

[Cyclone Boom 16,851]

Selected Images Restored from the Internet Archive

A little bit of good news. Thankfully the Internet Archive saved 6,607 images which were originally uploaded to ST between June 2024 and March 2026.

So I developed a script which slowly downloaded these in batches, then copied them to the monthly subfolders.

A preview of one STEX upload as its images were restored:

(I created this GIF as a simulation which showed what actually happened in real time. The file is Allianz Arena.)

And the terminal output confirming it...

 

And here's a monthly summary of the files which have been restored per month, for each type:

Month	Attachments	Profile Pics	Screens	Storage
Jun 2024	31	4	23	30
Jul 2024	195	21	62	27
Aug 2024	114	20	551	85
Sep 2024	66	11	127	15
Oct 2024	128	21	93	60
Nov 2024	133	12	89	11
Dec 2024	140	8	75	13
Jan 2025	221	25	86	38
Feb 2025	173	12	155	34
Mar 2025	91	31	105	39
Apr 2025	169	15	155	12
May 2025	140	11	168	8
Jun 2025	155	22	129	29
Jul 2025	96	17	228	15
Aug 2025	275	34	165	14
Sep 2025	107	9	64	24
Oct 2025	109	15	8	51
Nov 2025	132	8	109	9
Dec 2025	132	8	136	7
Jan 2026	229	9	216	12
Feb 2026	87	19	33	3
Mar 2026	7	4	0	28
Apr 2026	0	0	0	0
Total	2,930	336	2,777	564

 

I'd estimate this is perhaps 10-20% of the images uploaded per month. It's very much a partial restoration than anything close to complete, so it only represents a fraction of what's missing. Of course, we'd certainly much prefer to have these than not.

It's worth mentioning, since the Internet Archive cannot physically see stored paths of STEX downloads, none have been added via this method. However, that doesn't mean none are archived. We'll need to use a different method for obtaining any, since it'll be based on the ?do=download URLs as used on STEX file entries. It's quite possible the Wayback Machine can help out in additional ways, so we'll have to see.

Homepage features did quite well interestingly (from images in the /storage paths). I'd imagine because the Wayback regularly indexed them from the carousel slider.

Thanks to the Internet Archive, plus anyone who ran manual Save Page Now requests during these months. I'm sure that made a big difference here.