feat(backup): admin UI with admin-chosen target directory

The backup destination is now chosen by the on-site admin in the UI (Setup ->
Backup), not a server env var. An env-pinned target defeats the purpose: the admin
can't point backups at a freshly-plugged USB or a NAS mount without editing .env
and restarting. The encryption key stays a server secret.

Target storage:
- New site_config.backup_target_dir (migration 0016, nullable; null = not
  configured). BackupService reads it fresh each run, so a UI change takes effect
  with no restart. Only BACKUP_KEY stays env -- a key must never live in the DB it
  backs up.

Routes:
- PUT /api/backup/config  -- set/clear the target (backup:update; upserts id=1).
- POST /api/backup/test   -- probe a candidate path server-side (exists / is a
  directory / writable) so the admin gets feedback before relying on it.
- status() now exposes targetDir + keyPresent, so the UI distinguishes
  'no target set' from 'BACKUP_KEY missing'.

UI (apps/web/src/BackupSettings.tsx):
- A Setup -> Backup tab (gated backup:read): an editable target-path field with a
  Test-target probe (localized ok/missing/not-a-dir/not-writable), Save, the status
  panel (config state, last-run size/pruned/error, a distinct amber missing-key
  warning), a Back up now button, and the restore-is-out-of-band note. Full i18n
  (sq + en); nav.backup.
- API client: fetchBackupStatus / setBackupTarget / testBackupTarget / runBackup.

Also includes a small in-progress copy trim to the setup-intro i18n strings.

Verified live with Playwright: typed a path -> Test reported writable -> Save
persisted it -> status reflected it and showed the key-missing warning. Whole
monorepo build/lint/test green. Wiki backup-recovery + open-question #5 updated.

Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_01Xcm6ikLgGoCxxHrxtjkk5V

apps/server/.env.example

@@ -15,15 +15,17 @@ JWT_SECRET=
 # them (keyId), so verifyChain still validates a chain that spans a key change.
 EVENT_SIGNING_KEY=
 
-# On-site encrypted DB backup (durability for the signed ledger). Disabled until both
-# BACKUP_TARGET_DIR and BACKUP_KEY are set. A daily timer + an admin "back up now" button
-# write a consistent, AES-256-GCM-encrypted copy to the target. RESTORE is an out-of-band
-# runbook action, not a console call. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
-#   BACKUP_TARGET_DIR=/mnt/backup     # a mounted local/USB/SATA/SMB/NFS path
+# On-site encrypted DB backup (durability for the signed ledger). A daily timer + an admin
+# "back up now" button write a consistent, AES-256-GCM-encrypted copy to the target. The
+# TARGET DIRECTORY is chosen by the admin in the UI (Setup → Backup) and stored in the DB —
+# NOT here. Only the encryption KEY is an env secret. RESTORE is an out-of-band runbook action,
+# not a console call. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
+#
 # Dedicated backup-encryption key (>=16 chars), SEPARATE from EVENT_SIGNING_KEY so it can
 # rotate without fracturing the signed chain. Generate with:  openssl rand -hex 32
 # Escrow it offsite (alongside EVENT_SIGNING_KEY) — recovery needs both, and neither is ever
-# stored inside the backup it unlocks.
+# stored inside the backup it unlocks. Backups stay a no-op until BOTH this key and an in-UI
+# target directory are set.
 #   BACKUP_KEY=
 #   BACKUP_KEEP_LAST=7                # keep this many newest backups always
 #   BACKUP_KEEP_DAILY_DAYS=30         # plus one-per-day within this window

apps/server/src/backup-service.ts

@@ -1,23 +1,35 @@
-import type { Db } from "@parking/db";
+import { constants } from "node:fs";
+import { access, stat } from "node:fs/promises";
+import { resolve } from "node:path";
+import { eq, siteConfig, type Db } from "@parking/db";
 import type { FastifyBaseLogger } from "fastify";
 import { DEFAULT_BACKUP_RETENTION, runBackup, type BackupResult } from "./backup.js";
 
-// Thin coordinator around the backup engine (backup.ts): resolves config once, runs a backup
-// (manual or scheduled), and remembers the last outcome so the route + UI can show last-success
-// / last-error without re-deriving it. One instance is shared by the daily timer and the
-// "back up now" route, so a concurrent manual+timer run can't overlap (a single in-flight guard).
-// See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
+// Thin coordinator around the backup engine (backup.ts). The TARGET DIRECTORY is admin-chosen
+// and stored in site_config.backup_target_dir (read fresh each run, so changing it in the UI
+// takes effect with no restart). The ENCRYPTION KEY stays an env/Komodo secret (BACKUP_KEY) —
+// a key must never live in the DB it backs up. Remembers the last outcome so the route + UI can
+// show last-success / last-error, and serializes concurrent runs (manual + timer). See
+// wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
 
-export interface BackupConfig {
-  /** Mounted directory backups are written to (local/USB/SATA/SMB/NFS). Empty = disabled. */
-  readonly targetDir: string;
-  /** Encryption key (BACKUP_KEY / park_buzi_backup_key). */
-  readonly key: string;
+/** The dedicated backup-encryption key, from env (NOT the DB). Separate from EVENT_SIGNING_KEY. */
+export function backupKeyFromEnv(): string {
+  return process.env.BACKUP_KEY ?? "";
+}
+
+export interface TargetCheck {
+  readonly ok: boolean;
+  /** Machine-readable reason when !ok: "empty" | "missing" | "not_a_dir" | "not_writable". */
+  readonly reason?: string;
 }
 
 export interface BackupStatus {
-  /** True once a target dir + key are configured (otherwise backups are a no-op). */
+  /** True once a target dir is set AND a usable key is present (else backups are a no-op). */
   readonly configured: boolean;
+  /** The admin-chosen target dir (null if unset) — surfaced so the UI can show/edit it. */
+  readonly targetDir: string | null;
+  /** Whether the env key is present + long enough (the UI flags a missing key distinctly). */
+  readonly keyPresent: boolean;
   readonly running: boolean;
   readonly lastSuccessAt: string | null;
   readonly lastResult: { path: string; bytes: number; prunedFiles: number } | null;
@@ -25,18 +37,28 @@ export interface BackupStatus {
   readonly lastError: string | null;
 }
 
-/** Resolve backup config from env. (First cut: env-driven, like EVENT_SIGNING_KEY + snapshot
- *  retention; a future admin-UI knob can override the target dir.) */
-export function backupConfigFromEnv(): BackupConfig {
-  return {
-    targetDir: (process.env.BACKUP_TARGET_DIR ?? "").trim(),
-    key: process.env.BACKUP_KEY ?? "",
-  };
+/** Probe a candidate target path server-side: exists, is a directory, is writable. */
+export async function checkTargetDir(dir: string): Promise<TargetCheck> {
+  const trimmed = dir.trim();
+  if (!trimmed) return { ok: false, reason: "empty" };
+  const path = resolve(trimmed);
+  let st: Awaited<ReturnType<typeof stat>>;
+  try {
+    st = await stat(path);
+  } catch {
+    return { ok: false, reason: "missing" };
+  }
+  if (!st.isDirectory()) return { ok: false, reason: "not_a_dir" };
+  try {
+    await access(path, constants.W_OK);
+  } catch {
+    return { ok: false, reason: "not_writable" };
+  }
+  return { ok: true };
 }
 
 export class BackupService {
   readonly #db: Db;
-  readonly #config: BackupConfig;
   readonly #logger?: FastifyBaseLogger;
 
   #running = false;
@@ -45,19 +67,31 @@ export class BackupService {
   #lastErrorAt: string | null = null;
   #lastError: string | null = null;
 
-  constructor(db: Db, config: BackupConfig, logger?: FastifyBaseLogger) {
+  constructor(db: Db, logger?: FastifyBaseLogger) {
     this.#db = db;
-    this.#config = config;
     this.#logger = logger;
   }
 
+  /** The admin-chosen target dir from site_config (null/empty = unset). Read fresh each call. */
+  targetDir(): string | null {
+    const row = this.#db.select().from(siteConfig).where(eq(siteConfig.id, 1)).get();
+    const dir = row?.backupTargetDir?.trim();
+    return dir ? dir : null;
+  }
+
+  get keyPresent(): boolean {
+    return backupKeyFromEnv().length >= 16;
+  }
+
   get configured(): boolean {
-    return this.#config.targetDir.length > 0 && this.#config.key.length >= 16;
+    return this.targetDir() !== null && this.keyPresent;
   }
 
   status(): BackupStatus {
     return {
       configured: this.configured,
+      targetDir: this.targetDir(),
+      keyPresent: this.keyPresent,
       running: this.#running,
       lastSuccessAt: this.#lastSuccessAt,
       lastResult: this.#lastResult
@@ -69,26 +103,24 @@ export class BackupService {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Run one backup. `trigger` is just for the log line ("manual" | "scheduled"). Serialized:
-   * if one is already in flight, this resolves to that same promise rather than starting a
-   * second. Records last-success/last-error on the instance. Re-throws on failure so a manual
-   * caller (the route) can surface it; the scheduled timer wraps + swallows.
+   * Run one backup. `trigger` is just for the log line. Serialized: if one is already in
+   * flight, resolves to that same promise. Reads the target dir + key at run time. Records
+   * last-success/last-error. Re-throws on failure so a manual caller (the route) can surface
+   * it; the scheduled timer wraps + swallows.
    */
   #inflight: Promise<BackupResult> | null = null;
   async run(trigger: "manual" | "scheduled"): Promise<BackupResult> {
     if (this.#inflight) return this.#inflight;
-    if (!this.configured) {
-      throw new Error("backup: not configured (set BACKUP_TARGET_DIR and BACKUP_KEY ≥16 chars)");
-    }
+    const targetDir = this.targetDir();
+    const key = backupKeyFromEnv();
+    if (!targetDir) throw new Error("backup: no target directory configured");
+    if (key.length < 16) throw new Error("backup: BACKUP_KEY missing or too short (need ≥16 chars)");
+
     this.#running = true;
     this.#inflight = (async () => {
       try {
-        this.#logger?.info(`backup: starting (${trigger})`);
-        const res = await runBackup(
-          this.#db,
-          { targetDir: this.#config.targetDir, key: this.#config.key, retention: DEFAULT_BACKUP_RETENTION },
-          this.#logger,
-        );
+        this.#logger?.info(`backup: starting (${trigger}) → ${targetDir}`);
+        const res = await runBackup(this.#db, { targetDir, key, retention: DEFAULT_BACKUP_RETENTION }, this.#logger);
         this.#lastResult = res;
         this.#lastSuccessAt = new Date().toISOString();
         this.#lastError = null;

apps/server/src/routes/backup.routes.test.ts

@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ describe("GET /api/backup/status", () => {
     const body = res.json();
     expect(body).toMatchObject({
       configured: false,
+      targetDir: null,
       running: false,
       lastSuccessAt: null,
       lastError: null,
@@ -56,6 +57,71 @@ describe("GET /api/backup/status", () => {
   });
 });
 
+describe("PUT /api/backup/config — admin-chosen target", () => {
+  it("403 for a user lacking backup:update", async () => {
+    const { username, password } = await seedUser(db, {
+      username: "viewer", roleId: "viewer", permissions: ["backup:read"],
+    });
+    const { cookie, csrf } = await login(app, username, password);
+    const res = await app.inject({
+      method: "PUT", url: "/api/backup/config",
+      headers: { cookie, "x-csrf-token": csrf },
+      payload: { targetDir: "/tmp/x" },
+    });
+    expect(res.statusCode).toBe(403);
+  });
+
+  it("persists the target dir and reflects it in status", async () => {
+    const { username, password } = await seedUser(db, { username: "boss", roleId: "admin" });
+    const { cookie, csrf } = await login(app, username, password);
+    const put = await app.inject({
+      method: "PUT", url: "/api/backup/config",
+      headers: { cookie, "x-csrf-token": csrf },
+      payload: { targetDir: "  /mnt/backup  " }, // trimmed server-side
+    });
+    expect(put.statusCode).toBe(200);
+    expect(put.json()).toMatchObject({ targetDir: "/mnt/backup" });
+
+    const status = await app.inject({ method: "GET", url: "/api/backup/status", headers: { cookie } });
+    expect(status.json().targetDir).toBe("/mnt/backup");
+  });
+
+  it("clears the target dir when given empty/null", async () => {
+    const { username, password } = await seedUser(db, { username: "boss", roleId: "admin" });
+    const { cookie, csrf } = await login(app, username, password);
+    await app.inject({
+      method: "PUT", url: "/api/backup/config",
+      headers: { cookie, "x-csrf-token": csrf }, payload: { targetDir: "/mnt/backup" },
+    });
+    const clear = await app.inject({
+      method: "PUT", url: "/api/backup/config",
+      headers: { cookie, "x-csrf-token": csrf }, payload: { targetDir: "" },
+    });
+    expect(clear.json().targetDir).toBeNull();
+  });
+});
+
+describe("POST /api/backup/test — path probe", () => {
+  it("reports ok for a writable directory and a reason for a missing one", async () => {
+    const { username, password } = await seedUser(db, { username: "boss", roleId: "admin" });
+    const { cookie, csrf } = await login(app, username, password);
+
+    const good = await app.inject({
+      method: "POST", url: "/api/backup/test",
+      headers: { cookie, "x-csrf-token": csrf },
+      payload: { targetDir: process.cwd() }, // an existing, writable dir
+    });
+    expect(good.json()).toMatchObject({ ok: true });
+
+    const bad = await app.inject({
+      method: "POST", url: "/api/backup/test",
+      headers: { cookie, "x-csrf-token": csrf },
+      payload: { targetDir: "/no/such/path/here-xyz" },
+    });
+    expect(bad.json()).toMatchObject({ ok: false, reason: "missing" });
+  });
+});
+
 describe("POST /api/backup/run", () => {
   it("403 for a user lacking backup:create", async () => {
     const { username, password } = await seedUser(db, {

apps/server/src/routes/backup.ts

@@ -1,18 +1,60 @@
 import type { FastifyInstance } from "fastify";
+import { eq, siteConfig, type Db } from "@parking/db";
 import { requirePermission } from "../auth.js";
-import type { BackupService } from "../backup-service.js";
+import { checkTargetDir, type BackupService } from "../backup-service.js";
 
 // On-site encrypted DB backup — admin-driven. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
-//   - GET  /api/backup/status : config-present flag + last-run success/error. (backup:read)
-//   - POST /api/backup/run    : trigger a manual "back up now". (backup:create)
-// RESTORE is intentionally absent — it's an out-of-band runbook action on a fresh appliance
-// (a restore replaces the live signed chain → operator-adversary surface), never a console call.
+//   - GET  /api/backup/status : config + last-run success/error.        (backup:read)
+//   - PUT  /api/backup/config : set the admin-chosen target directory.  (backup:update)
+//   - POST /api/backup/test   : probe a candidate path (exists/dir/writable). (backup:update)
+//   - POST /api/backup/run    : trigger a manual "back up now".         (backup:create)
+// The target dir lives in site_config (admin picks it from the UI); the encryption key stays an
+// env secret. RESTORE is intentionally absent — out-of-band runbook on a fresh appliance.
 
-export async function backupRoutes(app: FastifyInstance, backups: BackupService): Promise<void> {
+interface ConfigBody {
+  targetDir?: string | null;
+}
+interface TestBody {
+  targetDir?: string;
+}
+
+export async function backupRoutes(app: FastifyInstance, db: Db, backups: BackupService): Promise<void> {
   app.get("/api/backup/status", { preHandler: requirePermission("backup:read") }, async () =>
     backups.status(),
   );
 
+  // Set (or clear) the target directory. Empty/null clears it (backups become a no-op).
+  app.put<{ Body: ConfigBody }>(
+    "/api/backup/config",
+    { preHandler: requirePermission("backup:update") },
+    async (req, reply) => {
+      const raw = req.body?.targetDir;
+      if (raw != null && typeof raw !== "string") {
+        return reply.code(400).send({ error: "targetDir must be a string or null" });
+      }
+      const next = raw == null ? null : raw.trim() || null;
+      const updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+      // Single-row site_config (id=1): upsert, since a fresh install may not have it yet.
+      const existing = db.select().from(siteConfig).where(eq(siteConfig.id, 1)).get();
+      if (existing) {
+        db.update(siteConfig).set({ backupTargetDir: next, updatedAt }).where(eq(siteConfig.id, 1)).run();
+      } else {
+        db.insert(siteConfig).values({ id: 1, backupTargetDir: next, updatedAt }).run();
+      }
+      return backups.status();
+    },
+  );
+
+  // Probe a candidate path before relying on it (the UI "Test target" button).
+  app.post<{ Body: TestBody }>(
+    "/api/backup/test",
+    { preHandler: requirePermission("backup:update") },
+    async (req) => {
+      const dir = typeof req.body?.targetDir === "string" ? req.body.targetDir : "";
+      return checkTargetDir(dir);
+    },
+  );
+
   app.post("/api/backup/run", { preHandler: requirePermission("backup:create") }, async (_req, reply) => {
     if (!backups.configured) {
       return reply.code(409).send({ error: "backup_not_configured" });

apps/server/src/server.ts

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ import { DeviceMonitor } from "./device-monitor.js";
 import { buildSigner, buildVerifier } from "./signer.js";
 import { LogService, pinoDbStream } from "./log-service.js";
 import { pruneSnapshots } from "./snapshot-retention.js";
-import { BackupService, backupConfigFromEnv } from "./backup-service.js";
+import { BackupService } from "./backup-service.js";
 import { backupRoutes } from "./routes/backup.js";
 import { logRoutes } from "./routes/logs.js";
 import { VisionClient } from "./vision-client.js";
@@ -276,11 +276,12 @@ export async function buildServer(opts: BuildOptions = {}): Promise<FastifyInsta
   // read the store (GET /api/logs, log:read). See wiki/concepts/app-logs.md.
   await logRoutes(app, logService);
 
-  // On-site encrypted DB backup (durability for the signed ledger). Admin-driven: status +
-  // a manual "back up now"; the scheduled run is the daily timer below. A no-op until
-  // BACKUP_TARGET_DIR + BACKUP_KEY are set. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
-  const backupService = new BackupService(db, backupConfigFromEnv(), app.log);
-  await backupRoutes(app, backupService);
+  // On-site encrypted DB backup (durability for the signed ledger). Admin-driven: the target
+  // directory is admin-chosen (site_config), the key is an env secret; status + a manual "back
+  // up now"; the scheduled run is the daily timer below. A no-op until a target dir is set AND
+  // BACKUP_KEY is present. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
+  const backupService = new BackupService(db, app.log);
+  await backupRoutes(app, db, backupService);
 
   // Periodic retention prune (age + row cap) so the log table stays bounded on the
   // offline appliance. Runs hourly; unref'd so it never holds the process open.

apps/web/src/BackupSettings.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,236 @@
+import { useEffect, useState } from "react";
+import { useTranslation } from "react-i18next";
+import { useMutation, useQuery, useQueryClient } from "@tanstack/react-query";
+import {
+  ApiError,
+  fetchBackupStatus,
+  runBackup,
+  setBackupTarget,
+  testBackupTarget,
+  type BackupStatus,
+  type TargetCheck,
+} from "./api.js";
+import { formatRelativeDateTime } from "./lib/format.js";
+
+// Admin screen for the on-site encrypted DB backup. The admin picks the TARGET DIRECTORY here
+// (stored in site_config; a mounted USB/SATA/SMB/NFS path) — the encryption key stays a server
+// secret. Shows status + last-run outcome, a "Test target" probe, and a manual "Back up now".
+// Gated by backup:read (config/test by backup:update, run by backup:create). RESTORE is absent
+// by design — out-of-band on a fresh appliance. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
+
+function formatBytes(n: number): string {
+  if (n < 1024) return `${n} B`;
+  const mb = n / 1048576;
+  if (mb < 1024) return `${mb.toFixed(1)} MB`;
+  return `${(mb / 1024).toFixed(2)} GB`;
+}
+
+/** Map a target-check result to a localized message. */
+function checkMessage(c: TargetCheck, t: (k: string) => string): string {
+  if (c.ok) return t("backup.testOk");
+  switch (c.reason) {
+    case "empty":
+      return t("backup.testEmpty");
+    case "not_a_dir":
+      return t("backup.testNotDir");
+    case "not_writable":
+      return t("backup.testNotWritable");
+    default:
+      return t("backup.testMissing");
+  }
+}
+
+function StatusBadge({ status }: { status: BackupStatus }) {
+  const { t } = useTranslation();
+  if (!status.configured) {
+    return <span className="text-[0.75rem] font-semibold text-term-muted">{t("backup.notConfigured")}</span>;
+  }
+  if (status.running) {
+    return <span className="text-[0.75rem] font-semibold text-term-amber">{t("backup.running")}</span>;
+  }
+  return <span className="text-[0.75rem] font-semibold text-term-green">{t("backup.configured")}</span>;
+}
+
+export function BackupSettings() {
+  const { t } = useTranslation();
+  const qc = useQueryClient();
+  const [toast, setToast] = useState<{ kind: "ok" | "err"; msg: string } | null>(null);
+  const [target, setTarget] = useState("");
+  const [check, setCheck] = useState<{ kind: "ok" | "err"; msg: string } | null>(null);
+
+  const q = useQuery({
+    queryKey: ["backup-status"],
+    queryFn: fetchBackupStatus,
+    refetchInterval: (query) => (query.state.data?.running ? 2000 : false),
+  });
+  const status = q.data;
+
+  // Seed the editable field from the saved value once it loads (and when it changes server-side).
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (status) setTarget(status.targetDir ?? "");
+  }, [status?.targetDir]);
+
+  const save = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: () => setBackupTarget(target.trim() || null),
+    onSuccess: (next) => {
+      setToast({ kind: "ok", msg: t("backup.saved") });
+      setCheck(null);
+      qc.setQueryData(["backup-status"], next);
+    },
+    onError: () => setToast({ kind: "err", msg: t("backup.runFailed") }),
+  });
+
+  const test = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: () => testBackupTarget(target.trim()),
+    onSuccess: (res) => setCheck({ kind: res.ok ? "ok" : "err", msg: checkMessage(res, t) }),
+  });
+
+  const run = useMutation({
+    mutationFn: runBackup,
+    onSuccess: () => {
+      setToast({ kind: "ok", msg: t("backup.runSuccess") });
+      void qc.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["backup-status"] });
+    },
+    onError: (err: unknown) => {
+      const code = err instanceof ApiError ? err.message : "";
+      setToast({
+        kind: "err",
+        msg: code === "backup_not_configured" ? t("backup.notConfiguredError") : t("backup.runFailed"),
+      });
+      void qc.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["backup-status"] });
+    },
+  });
+
+  const dirty = (status?.targetDir ?? "") !== target.trim();
+
+  return (
+    <div className="">
+      <div className="mb-3 flex items-center justify-between">
+        <h1 className="text-sm font-bold uppercase tracking-widest text-term-amber">{t("backup.title")}</h1>
+        <button
+          type="button"
+          className="btn btn-primary btn-sm"
+          disabled={!status?.configured || status?.running || run.isPending || dirty}
+          onClick={() => {
+            setToast(null);
+            run.mutate();
+          }}
+        >
+          {status?.running || run.isPending ? t("backup.running") : t("backup.runNow")}
+        </button>
+      </div>
+
+      <p className="mb-3 max-w-2xl text-[0.75rem] text-term-muted">{t("backup.intro")}</p>
+
+      {toast && (
+        <div
+          className={`mb-3 rounded-term border px-3 py-2 text-[0.75rem] ${
+            toast.kind === "ok"
+              ? "border-term-green/40 bg-term-green/5 text-term-green"
+              : "border-term-red/40 bg-term-red/5 text-term-red"
+          }`}
+        >
+          {toast.msg}
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Target directory — the admin-chosen destination. */}
+      <div className="card mb-3 p-4">
+        <div className="field">
+          <span className="label">{t("backup.targetLabel")}</span>
+          <div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2">
+            <input
+              className="input w-96 max-w-full"
+              value={target}
+              placeholder={t("backup.targetPlaceholder")}
+              onChange={(e) => {
+                setTarget(e.target.value);
+                setCheck(null);
+              }}
+            />
+            <button
+              type="button"
+              className="btn btn-ghost btn-sm"
+              disabled={test.isPending || !target.trim()}
+              onClick={() => test.mutate()}
+            >
+              {t("backup.test")}
+            </button>
+            <button
+              type="button"
+              className="btn btn-primary btn-sm"
+              disabled={save.isPending || !dirty}
+              onClick={() => {
+                setToast(null);
+                save.mutate();
+              }}
+            >
+              {t("backup.save")}
+            </button>
+          </div>
+          <span className="mt-1 text-[0.6875rem] text-term-muted">{t("backup.targetHint")}</span>
+          {check && (
+            <span className={`mt-1 text-[0.75rem] ${check.kind === "ok" ? "text-term-green" : "text-term-red"}`}>
+              {check.msg}
+            </span>
+          )}
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      <div className="card p-4">
+        {q.isLoading || !status ? (
+          <div className="text-[0.75rem] text-term-muted">{t("common.loading")}</div>
+        ) : (
+          <dl className="grid grid-cols-[10rem_1fr] gap-x-4 gap-y-2 text-[0.8125rem]">
+            <dt className="text-term-muted">{t("backup.statusTitle")}</dt>
+            <dd>
+              <StatusBadge status={status} />
+            </dd>
+
+            {!status.keyPresent && (
+              <>
+                <dt className="text-term-muted" />
+                <dd className="text-[0.75rem] text-term-amber">{t("backup.keyMissing")}</dd>
+              </>
+            )}
+
+            <dt className="text-term-muted">{t("backup.lastSuccess")}</dt>
+            <dd className="text-term-text">
+              {status.lastSuccessAt ? formatRelativeDateTime(status.lastSuccessAt, t) : t("backup.never")}
+            </dd>
+
+            {status.lastResult && (
+              <>
+                <dt className="text-term-muted">{t("backup.size")}</dt>
+                <dd className="text-term-text tabular-nums">
+                  {formatBytes(status.lastResult.bytes)}
+                  {status.lastResult.prunedFiles > 0 && (
+                    <span className="ml-2 text-term-muted">
+                      ({t("backup.pruned")}: {status.lastResult.prunedFiles})
+                    </span>
+                  )}
+                </dd>
+              </>
+            )}
+
+            {status.lastError && (
+              <>
+                <dt className="text-term-muted">{t("backup.lastError")}</dt>
+                <dd className="text-term-red">
+                  {status.lastError}
+                  {status.lastErrorAt && (
+                    <span className="ml-2 text-term-muted">
+                      ({formatRelativeDateTime(status.lastErrorAt, t)})
+                    </span>
+                  )}
+                </dd>
+              </>
+            )}
+          </dl>
+        )}
+      </div>
+
+      <p className="mt-3 max-w-2xl text-[0.6875rem] text-term-muted">{t("backup.restoreNote")}</p>
+    </div>
+  );
+}

apps/web/src/api.ts

@@ -227,6 +227,54 @@ export function fetchLogs(params: {
   return apiFetch(`/api/logs${qs ? `?${qs}` : ""}`);
 }
 
+// --- Backup ---------------------------------------------------------------
+// On-site encrypted DB backup. See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
+
+export interface BackupStatus {
+  configured: boolean;
+  /** Admin-chosen target directory (null = not set). */
+  targetDir: string | null;
+  /** Whether the env encryption key is present (a missing key is flagged distinctly). */
+  keyPresent: boolean;
+  running: boolean;
+  lastSuccessAt: string | null;
+  lastResult: { path: string; bytes: number; prunedFiles: number } | null;
+  lastErrorAt: string | null;
+  lastError: string | null;
+}
+
+export async function fetchBackupStatus(): Promise<BackupStatus> {
+  return apiFetch("/api/backup/status");
+}
+
+/** Set (or clear, with "") the admin-chosen target directory. Returns the new status. */
+export async function setBackupTarget(targetDir: string | null): Promise<BackupStatus> {
+  return apiFetch("/api/backup/config", { method: "PUT", body: JSON.stringify({ targetDir }) });
+}
+
+export interface TargetCheck {
+  ok: boolean;
+  /** "empty" | "missing" | "not_a_dir" | "not_writable" when !ok. */
+  reason?: string;
+}
+
+/** Probe a candidate target path server-side (exists / is a dir / is writable). */
+export async function testBackupTarget(targetDir: string): Promise<TargetCheck> {
+  return apiFetch("/api/backup/test", { method: "POST", body: JSON.stringify({ targetDir }) });
+}
+
+export interface BackupRunResult {
+  ok: true;
+  path: string;
+  bytes: number;
+  prunedFiles: number;
+}
+
+/** Trigger a manual "back up now". Throws on 409 (not configured) / 500 (run failed). */
+export async function runBackup(): Promise<BackupRunResult> {
+  return apiFetch("/api/backup/run", { method: "POST" });
+}
+
 // --- Device setup ---------------------------------------------------------
 
 export interface ConfigField {

apps/web/src/lib/i18n/en.ts

@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ export const en: Catalog = {
     reports: "Reports",
     recycleBin: "Recycle bin",
     logs: "Logs",
+    backup: "Backup",
     profile: "Profile",
   },
   profile: {
@@ -307,7 +308,7 @@ export const en: Catalog = {
   setup: {
     title: "Setup",
     intro:
-      "Add your barrier controllers first — set which relay is entry/exit and which terminal the entry button is wired to. Then add readers, cameras and printers and point each at the barrier it serves.",
+      "Add your barrier controllers first. Then add readers (QR/RF), cameras, printers",
     catControllers: "Controllers (barriers + entry button)",
     catReaders: "Readers (QR / RFID)",
     catCameras: "Cameras (snapshot + plate)",
@@ -830,6 +831,41 @@ export const en: Catalog = {
     path: "Path",
     empty: "No logs.",
   },
+  backup: {
+    title: "Backup",
+    intro:
+      "An encrypted copy of the database (the signed ledger) to an external disk. Runs automatically every day and from the button below.",
+    statusTitle: "Status",
+    configured: "Enabled",
+    notConfigured: "Not configured",
+    notConfiguredHint: "Set BACKUP_TARGET_DIR and BACKUP_KEY on the server to enable backups.",
+    running: "Running…",
+    idle: "Idle",
+    lastSuccess: "Last successful backup",
+    lastError: "Last error",
+    never: "Never",
+    lastFile: "File",
+    size: "Size",
+    pruned: "Pruned",
+    runNow: "Back up now",
+    runSuccess: "Backup complete.",
+    runFailed: "Backup failed.",
+    notConfiguredError: "Backup is not configured.",
+    restoreNote:
+      "Restore is not done here — it's an out-of-band step when provisioning a fresh appliance (needs the backup file + the keys you escrowed offsite).",
+    targetLabel: "Backup location",
+    targetPlaceholder: "e.g. /mnt/backup or /media/usb",
+    targetHint: "An absolute path to a mounted disk (USB/SATA) or a network share (SMB/NFS).",
+    save: "Save",
+    saved: "Saved.",
+    test: "Test target",
+    testOk: "The location is writable.",
+    testEmpty: "Enter a path.",
+    testMissing: "The location does not exist.",
+    testNotDir: "The path is not a directory.",
+    testNotWritable: "The directory is not writable.",
+    keyMissing: "The encryption key (BACKUP_KEY) is missing on the server — set it to enable backups.",
+  },
   pay: {
     ticket: "Ticket",
     entry: "Entry",

apps/web/src/lib/i18n/sq.ts

@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ export const sq = {
     reports: "Raportet",
     recycleBin: "Koshi",
     logs: "Loget",
+    backup: "Kopje rezervë",
     profile: "Profili",
   },
   profile: {
@@ -310,7 +311,7 @@ export const sq = {
   setup: {
     title: "Konfigurimi",
     intro:
-      "Shto fillimisht kontrollerat e barrierave — cakto cili rele është hyrje/dalje dhe në cilin terminal është lidhur butoni i hyrjes. Pastaj shto lexues, kamera dhe printera dhe drejto secilin te barriera që shërben.",
+      "Shto fillimisht kontrollerat e barrierave — Pastaj shto lexues (QR/RF), kamera, printera.",
     // Category titles + the singular noun used in buttons/modal titles.
     catControllers: "Kontrollerat (barrierat + butoni i hyrjes)",
     catReaders: "Lexuesit (QR / RFID)",
@@ -845,6 +846,42 @@ export const sq = {
     path: "Rruga",
     empty: "Asnjë regjistër.",
   },
+  backup: {
+    title: "Kopje rezervë",
+    intro:
+      "Kopje e enkriptuar e bazës së të dhënave (regjistri i nënshkruar) në një disk të jashtëm. Bëhet automatikisht çdo ditë dhe me butonin më poshtë.",
+    statusTitle: "Gjendja",
+    configured: "Aktive",
+    notConfigured: "E pakonfiguruar",
+    notConfiguredHint:
+      "Cakto BACKUP_TARGET_DIR dhe BACKUP_KEY në server që të aktivizohet kopja rezervë.",
+    running: "Duke u kryer…",
+    idle: "Në pritje",
+    lastSuccess: "Kopja e fundit e suksesshme",
+    lastError: "Gabimi i fundit",
+    never: "Asnjëherë",
+    lastFile: "Skedari",
+    size: "Madhësia",
+    pruned: "Të hequra",
+    runNow: "Bëj kopje tani",
+    runSuccess: "Kopja rezervë u krye.",
+    runFailed: "Kopja rezervë dështoi.",
+    notConfiguredError: "Kopja rezervë nuk është e konfiguruar.",
+    restoreNote:
+      "Rikthimi nuk bëhet nga këtu — është veprim i jashtëm gjatë instalimit të një aparati të ri (kërkon skedarin e kopjes + çelësat e ruajtur jashtë).",
+    targetLabel: "Vendndodhja e kopjes",
+    targetPlaceholder: "p.sh. /mnt/backup ose /media/usb",
+    targetHint: "Rrugë absolute drejt një disku të lidhur (USB/SATA) ose një ndarjeje rrjeti (SMB/NFS).",
+    save: "Ruaj",
+    saved: "U ruajt.",
+    test: "Testo vendndodhjen",
+    testOk: "Vendndodhja është e shkruajtshme.",
+    testEmpty: "Shkruaj një rrugë.",
+    testMissing: "Vendndodhja nuk ekziston.",
+    testNotDir: "Rruga nuk është një dosje.",
+    testNotWritable: "Dosja nuk është e shkruajtshme.",
+    keyMissing: "Çelësi i enkriptimit (BACKUP_KEY) mungon në server — caktoje që kopja të aktivizohet.",
+  },
   pay: {
     ticket: "Bileta",
     entry: "Hyrja",

apps/web/src/router.tsx

@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ import { UsersManager } from "./UsersManager.js";
 import { RolesManager } from "./RolesManager.js";
 import { ShiftsHistory } from "./ShiftsHistory.js";
 import { LogsViewer } from "./LogsViewer.js";
+import { BackupSettings } from "./BackupSettings.js";
 import { RecycleBin } from "./RecycleBin.js";
 import { Profile } from "./Profile.js";
 // Reports pulls in Recharts (~heavy) — lazy-loaded so it stays OUT of the booth's
@@ -106,6 +107,7 @@ function SetupLayout() {
         {show("role:read") && <SetupTab to="/setup/roles" label={t("nav.roles")} />}
         {show("recyclebin:read") && <SetupTab to="/setup/recycle-bin" label={t("nav.recycleBin")} />}
         {show("log:read") && <SetupTab to="/setup/logs" label={t("nav.logs")} />}
+        {show("backup:read") && <SetupTab to="/setup/backup" label={t("nav.backup")} />}
       </nav>
       <Outlet />
     </div>
@@ -444,6 +446,7 @@ function RootLayout() {
             show("user:read") ||
             show("role:read") ||
             show("recyclebin:read") ||
+            show("backup:read") ||
             show("shift:read")) && <NavLink to="/setup" label={t("nav.setup")} />}
         </nav>
         <div className="ml-auto flex items-center gap-3">
@@ -694,6 +697,14 @@ const logsRoute = createRoute({
   component: LogsViewer,
 });
 
+// Encrypted DB backup — status + manual run. Gated by backup:read (run by backup:create).
+const backupRoute = createRoute({
+  getParentRoute: () => setupRoute,
+  path: "backup",
+  beforeLoad: ({ context }) => requirePerm("backup:read")(context),
+  component: BackupSettings,
+});
+
 // My profile — self-service for ANY signed-in user (no permission gate). Edits only
 // the caller's own name/email/password. See Profile.tsx and routes/auth.ts.
 const profileRoute = createRoute({
@@ -726,6 +737,7 @@ const routeTree = rootRoute.addChildren([
     rolesRoute,
     recycleBinRoute,
     logsRoute,
+    backupRoute,
   ]),
 ]);
 

packages/db/drizzle/0016_backup_target_dir.sql

@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+-- The on-site admin chooses where encrypted DB backups are written (a mounted USB/SATA/
+-- SMB/NFS path), from the Backup screen — not a server env var. Additive, nullable ALTER:
+-- null = not configured (backups stay a no-op). The BACKUP_KEY stays an env/Komodo secret
+-- (a key must NEVER live in the DB it backs up). See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md.
+ALTER TABLE `site_config` ADD `backup_target_dir` text;

packages/db/drizzle/meta/_journal.json

@@ -113,6 +113,13 @@
       "when": 1781885800000,
       "tag": "0015_dingtian_qr_reader_driverid",
       "breakpoints": true
+    },
+    {
+      "idx": 16,
+      "version": "6",
+      "when": 1781885900000,
+      "tag": "0016_backup_target_dir",
+      "breakpoints": true
     }
   ]
 }

packages/db/src/schema.ts

@@ -264,6 +264,11 @@ export const siteConfig = sqliteTable("site_config", {
    *  payload so V2 category pricing reprices identically at exit. null ⇒ the shared
    *  DEFAULT_VEHICLE_CATEGORY fallback. See wiki/concepts/tariff-time-tiers.md. */
   defaultVehicleCategory: text("default_vehicle_category"),
+  /** Admin-chosen directory encrypted DB backups are written to — a mounted local/USB/
+   *  SATA/SMB/NFS path. null = not configured (backups are a no-op). Set from the Backup
+   *  screen; the encryption key (BACKUP_KEY) stays an env/Komodo secret and is NEVER stored
+   *  here (a key must not live in the DB it backs up). See wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md. */
+  backupTargetDir: text("backup_target_dir"),
   updatedAt: text("updated_at")
     .notNull()
     .default(sql`(current_timestamp)`),

wiki/concepts/backup-recovery.md

@@ -133,26 +133,36 @@ timer + the manual route**. What landed:
   **keep-last-N + one-per-day-within-N-days** (`pruneOldBackups`). Tested: round-trip decrypts to a
   **byte-identical, queryable DB**; a flipped byte or wrong key **fails GCM auth**; short key rejected;
   scratch plaintext always removed.
-- **`backup-service.ts`** — resolves config from env (`BACKUP_TARGET_DIR`, `BACKUP_KEY`,
-  `BACKUP_KEEP_LAST`, `BACKUP_KEEP_DAILY_DAYS`), **serializes** concurrent runs (single in-flight
-  guard), records last-success / last-error for the UI.
-- **`routes/backup.ts`** — `GET /api/backup/status` (`backup:read`) + `POST /api/backup/run`
-  (`backup:create`); a clean **409 `backup_not_configured`** when unset. New `backup` permission
-  resource (`backup:read/update/create`) in `@parking/shared`. **No restore route** — out-of-band by
-  design.
+- **`backup-service.ts`** — the **target directory is admin-chosen** (`site_config.backup_target_dir`,
+  migration 0016) and read **fresh each run**, so changing it in the UI takes effect with no restart.
+  Only the **encryption key stays an env/Komodo secret** (`BACKUP_KEY`) — a key must never live in the
+  DB it backs up. Retention knobs (`BACKUP_KEEP_LAST`, `BACKUP_KEEP_DAILY_DAYS`) stay env. The service
+  **serializes** concurrent runs (single in-flight guard) and records last-success / last-error;
+  `status()` exposes `targetDir` + `keyPresent` so the UI distinguishes "no target" from "no key".
+- **`routes/backup.ts`** — `GET /api/backup/status` (`backup:read`); `PUT /api/backup/config` to set/
+  clear the target (`backup:update`); `POST /api/backup/test` to probe a candidate path server-side —
+  exists / is-a-dir / writable (`backup:update`); `POST /api/backup/run` (`backup:create`), a clean
+  **409 `backup_not_configured`** when target+key aren't both set. New `backup` permission resource
+  (`backup:read/update/create`) in `@parking/shared`. **No restore route** — out-of-band by design.
+- **`apps/web/src/BackupSettings.tsx`** — a Setup → **Backup** tab (gated `backup:read`): an editable
+  **target-path field** with a **Test target** probe (localized ok/missing/not-a-dir/not-writable),
+  **Save**, the status panel (config state, last-run size/pruned/error, a distinct amber **missing
+  BACKUP_KEY** warning), a **Back up now** button, and the restore-is-out-of-band note. Full i18n
+  (sq + en).
 - **`server.ts`** — an **unref'd daily timer** (`backupService.runScheduled`), a **no-op until
   configured**, and **deliberately NOT run at startup** (a just-power-cut booth shouldn't write to a
   possibly-unmounted disk; the daily cadence + the manual button cover it).
 - Env documented in `apps/server/.env.example` (with the escrow + separate-key notes).
 
-**SMB/NFS already work** — they're just a mounted path under `BACKUP_TARGET_DIR`. **Deferred to
-follow-up slices:** an **SFTP** target, the **admin UI** (status panel + "Back up now" button + i18n),
-and a **restore runbook / CLI**.
+**SMB/NFS already work** — they're just a mounted path the admin enters as the target. **Deferred to
+follow-up slices:** an **SFTP** target and a **restore runbook / CLI**.
 
 ## Status
 
-Design settled 2026-06-29; **engine + local/mounted target BUILT 2026-06-29** (SFTP + UI + restore
-tooling pending). Resolves the *design* half of [[open-questions]] #5 and the first build slice; records
-the key-custody stance that bears on #6 (signing stays decoupled from the TPM) and #10 (snapshots bloat
-backups → future exclude toggle). See [[append-only-event-chain]], [[disk-os-hardening]], [[tpm]],
-[[fleet-deployment-komodo]], [[reconciliation]].
+Design settled 2026-06-29; **engine + admin-configured local/mounted target + admin UI BUILT
+2026-06-29** (SFTP + restore tooling pending). The target directory is **admin-chosen in the UI**
+(`site_config`, migration 0016), not an env var — the on-site admin picks where backups land; only
+`BACKUP_KEY` stays a server secret. Resolves the *design* half of [[open-questions]] #5 and the first
+build slices; records the key-custody stance that bears on #6 (signing stays decoupled from the TPM) and
+#10 (snapshots bloat backups → future exclude toggle). See [[append-only-event-chain]],
+[[disk-os-hardening]], [[tpm]], [[fleet-deployment-komodo]], [[reconciliation]].

wiki/decisions/open-questions.md

@@ -23,9 +23,12 @@ procurement. (See [[parking-system-architecture]] §10.)
 4. **Reconciliation channel.** Even if "offline," establish *some* periodic path (USB, hotspot,
    manager visit) to reconcile the signed log against an external authority — the real anti-fraud
    control. See [[reconciliation]].
-5. **Durability / backup.** _(Design SETTLED + first slice BUILT 2026-06-29 — see [[backup-recovery]];
-   engine + local/mounted target + daily timer + manual route done, SFTP/UI/restore-tooling pending.)_
-   A disk failure / stolen-or-destroyed PC currently leaves **total revenue-history loss**.
+5. **Durability / backup.** _(Design SETTLED + engine/target/UI BUILT 2026-06-29 — see
+   [[backup-recovery]]; engine + admin-configured target (site_config, migration 0016) + daily timer +
+   manual route + admin UI (target field, Test-target probe, status, Back-up-now) done; SFTP +
+   restore-tooling pending. The target dir is admin-chosen in the UI, not env; only BACKUP_KEY is a
+   server secret.)_ A disk failure / stolen-or-destroyed PC currently leaves **total revenue-history
+   loss**.
    Settled design: an **admin-driven encrypted full-DB backup** (online-backup/`VACUUM INTO`, snapshots
    included) to a **local/USB · SMB/NFS · SFTP** target, **manual button + in-process daily timer**,
    **keep-last-N + dailies** retention, encrypted with a **dedicated `park_buzi_backup_key`** (separate

wiki/log.md

@@ -1934,3 +1934,17 @@ route — out-of-band by design). New `backup` permission resource in @parking/s
 daily timer, no-op until configured, NOT run at startup. `openRawDb()` added to @parking/db/testing.
 SMB/NFS work as mount paths; SFTP + admin UI + restore runbook deferred. build/lint/test green (212 server
 tests, 25 files). Updated [[open-questions]] #5 (first slice BUILT). NOT yet committed beyond this branch.
+
+## [2026-06-29] feat | Backup admin UI + admin-chosen target (site_config, not env)
+The backup TARGET DIRECTORY is now chosen by the on-site admin in the UI, not a server env var — env
+target defeats the purpose (admin can't change where backups land without editing .env + restart). Moved
+to `site_config.backup_target_dir` (migration 0016, nullable); BackupService reads it fresh each run (no
+restart to change). Only BACKUP_KEY stays an env secret — a key must NEVER live in the DB it backs up.
+New routes: PUT /api/backup/config (set/clear target, backup:update, upserts the id=1 row), POST
+/api/backup/test (server-side path probe: exists/is-dir/writable, backup:update). status() now exposes
+targetDir + keyPresent so the UI tells "no target" from "no key". UI: Setup → Backup tab
+(apps/web/src/BackupSettings.tsx) — editable target field + Test-target probe (localized reasons) + Save +
+status panel (distinct amber "BACKUP_KEY missing" warning) + Back-up-now + restore-out-of-band note; full
+i18n sq+en; nav.backup. Verified live with Playwright: typed path → Test "writable" → Save persisted →
+status reflects it + key-missing warning shown. build/lint/test green (whole monorepo). Updated
+[[backup-recovery]] as-built + [[open-questions]] #5.