by Ken Task.
Moodle creates a hashed *directory* then uncompresses the .mbz in that directory ... **not a hashed file**.
You say, however, that there is a moodle_backup.xml present ... when you unzip/uncompress locally ... how about on the server itself?
The fact it stops immediately on the server kinda indicates to me (without actually seeing it), it's a server config issue of some sort. The user underwhich moodle runs must have total control over moodledata ... the ability to not only read, but write to ... and create directories ... such as in the restore process.
Have you checked apache error logs for clues?
We could go on about this almost forever. How about an offer you could refuse, but ...
IF I set you up in a server where you could upload your .mbz file so that I could inspect as well as attempt to restore to sandbox sites that reside on that server (all courses hidden) ... would you be willing/able to do that?
IF so, Private message me on this system and we'll take this discussion (for now) off line and direct to each other.
Cost? None. Free.
'spirit of sharing', Ken