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Restoring Quarantined Files

What This Covers

This guide explains how to restore files that have been placed in quarantine.

Restoring allows you to return a file to its original location if it is needed for your site to function correctly.

When to Restore a File

You may need to restore a file if:

  • your site functionality is affected after quarantining
  • a plugin or theme stops working
  • you determine the file is safe and required

Restoration returns the file to its original state and location.

How Restoration Works

When a file is restored:

  • it is moved back to its original path
  • its original filename is preserved
  • it becomes active again within your site

This effectively reverses the quarantine action.

How to Restore a File

  1. Navigate to the Steel Security quarantine section
  2. Locate the file you want to restore
  3. Select the restore option
  4. Confirm the action

The file will be returned to its original location immediately.

What to Expect After Restoring

After restoring a file:

This is expected and reflects the current state of your site.

Verifying a Restoration

After restoring a file:

  1. Test the affected part of your site
  2. Confirm functionality is working as expected
  3. Return to the Scan page and re-run a scan

This ensures both functionality and security are understood.

When Not to Restore

Do not restore a file if:

  • it is clearly unnecessary or outdated
  • it exposes sensitive data
  • it was intentionally removed for security reasons

Only restore files you understand and trust.

Common Issues

File Restored but Issue Persists

  • confirm the correct file was restored
  • check for caching or server-level delays
  • verify no additional files were affected

File Reappears in Scan Results

This is expected.

The underlying issue has not changed, only the file’s location.

You may need to:

  • remove the file permanently
  • secure it properly
  • accept the risk if intentional

Restoration Fails

  • check file permissions
  • ensure the original path still exists
  • verify hosting restrictions are not blocking the action

Tips

  • Restore one file at a time
  • Test immediately after restoring
  • Avoid repeated quarantine/restore cycles without understanding the issue

What to Do Next

After restoring a file:

  1. Review why the file was flagged
  2. Decide whether to secure or remove it permanently
  3. Continue monitoring your scan results
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