'already know what happened, and you may even know a single setting that could be changed that would allow me to access this course again'
Boy I wish I had 'magic bullets' and could 'mind meld', but, alas, just a mere mortal! :|
Is your school server Linux or other? If Linux, think you're technical folks would object to opening access to it from a certain IP address via ssh? If so, IM me and I'll provide the IP address I'll be attempting to access via. Would also need to know the root password.
If Windows/Other ... sorry ... don't do Windows anymore.
However, if that is nixed/out of the question, then you say you do have a backup file of this course, do you not? Sometimes, through much tinkering, it is possible to restore a frapped course if one re-constructs the backup file (involves editing XML files and re-zipping). Should warn the backup (if you did a full backup) does contain student information. However, I taught for 20+ years and have worked with schools for another 20+ years and have passed my 'pervert'/privacy test (if that means anything!).
I can grant you access to a server where you could upload that backup and I'll 'go the extra mile' and see what I can find working with that backup.
Really don't want to even attempt writing up a massive document on how to do that. But, will be happy to share what I've learned, if anything, along the way.
'spirit of sharing', Ken