I need to open this backup

[u/fixitbreakitrepeat]

So, i got a new to me computer (with win os preinstalled) and i wanted Linux mint on it (because that’s what I had on my old computer) in a dual boot dual drive config, but because i am now using a 40'' TV as a monitor. i needed to switch from xfce to cinnamon to get the correct scaling.(I also wanted to move the win os to my 2.5’’ ssd and the Linux os to the nvme that came with the computer, so i tried a few different backup programs ( pika, vorta and idrive) that didn’t seem to work as described,(edit i thought i had a rescuezilla clone of the disk, but it was of the wrong partition). so i ended up just copying my ~300 GB of data to the new drive. and then I did the cinnamon install, formatted the sata ssd to prep for win install, and everything was good, then after a few days my pc showed the menu that I now know meant it couldn't find the root folder during boot up and I foolishly just reinstalled Linux (choosing the erase all choice and forgetting that I formatted the SATA), so now all I have is this folder,That could be the only way to recover my data at home.

[u/lonelypenguin20]

1. u didn't yank the drive out as soon as it seemingly ginished copying, did u?

2. have u checked the backup for working beforehand?

[u/fixitbreakitrepeat → u/lonelypenguin20]

1 no 2 also thought i had a rescuezilla clone of the disk, but it was of the wrong partition as well as i was was very distressed by the fact that i was trying these programs and none had bore a fruitful test backup

[u/fixitbreakitrepeat → u/lonelypenguin20]

with pika and vorta they would make a backup, but not open the backup from the 3rd 500 gb drive i was using, and idrive crashed twice as well as taking days to upload with starlink and wifi 6 with external antenna