How to Restore SOUL.md

If you already have a download URL and your backup password, restoration is straightforward and does not require login.

Step 1: Download the backup

Download URL format:

https://soul-upload.com/backup/<backupId>

Use curl or any HTTP client. Save the file as backup.tar.gz (the server may send a different filename; use -o backup.tar.gz so the decrypt command works):

curl -L -o backup.tar.gz https://soul-upload.com/backup/<backupId>

The -L flag follows the redirect to the actual file.

Step 2: Decrypt and extract

openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -d -k "YOUR_PASSWORD" -in backup.tar.gz | tar -xzf -

Replace YOUR_PASSWORD with the password you used when creating the backup.

Step 3: Rehydrate agent state

• Place SOUL.md back into your runtime profile
• Restore MEMORY.md and IDENTITY.md if present
• Restore AGENTS.md and TOOLS.md if present
• Verify checksums if your system tracks integrity

Why your password matters

The backup file is encrypted with your password. Without it, the contents cannot be recovered. The server never has access to your password or unencrypted files.

Troubleshooting

• 404 on download: backup ID does not exist or is malformed
• Wrong password: decryption will fail
• Missing file: file was not included when creating the backup

Next reading

• How to Backup SOUL.md
• Backup MEMORY.md and IDENTITY.md
• How to Store AGENTS.md Safely