verifydump

Overview

verifydump is a command-line checker for compressed CHD and RVZ disc images, aimed at emulator users who want to validate collections against Redump preservation data. Its focused scope is a strength, but checking depends on separate conversion tools installed on the system PATH.

Key features

Provide a Redump Datfile, zipped or otherwise, followed by one or more compressed dumps or folders. verifydump converts each image to the format the Datfile describes, adjusts it to Redump conventions, then checks it. That makes it useful for verifying compressed archives without keeping a separate converted copy.

CHD verification requires MAME’s chdman and binmerge; RVZ verification requires DolphinTool from Dolphin. All required utilities must be available in the system PATH, so setup is part of the job. The tool says it does not modify users’ files and stops checking an individual dump after finding an error. For troubleshooting, --verbose provides more detailed output.

Some Redump cue metadata cannot be represented in CHD. Users can supply original cue files with --extra-cue-source or allow cue mismatches with --allow-cue-file-mismatches. The former helps when the original cue data matters; the latter accepts a mismatch, so it is not the right choice when exact cue metadata is required.

Verification creates temporary converted files and deletes them afterward. For frequent checks or large collections, the maker suggests using a RAM drive to avoid repeated writes to an SSD. That is a practical workaround, but temporary storage remains a consideration for large-scale use.

Pricing

verifydump is free: the Free plan costs nothing and includes the open-source command-line tool for checking CHD and RVZ images against Redump Datfiles. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against it. Its MIT License and Python 3.10 or later, below 3.16, runtime requirement make it a straightforward fit for users comfortable with Python packaging and command-line setup.

Platforms

The project offers a Windows executable; Linux and macOS users can install through pipx or another Python package installation method. All three operating systems are supported, but none removes the need to install the appropriate external tools and put them on the system PATH.

Who it's for

Choose verifydump if you keep compressed disc images for emulator use and want to check them against Redump data without modifying the originals. It is less suited to anyone seeking a graphical collection manager or unwilling to install and maintain format-specific dependencies.

Pros and cons

Format-aware verification: converts CHD and RVZ images and checks the adjusted result against a Redump Datfile, rather than treating the compressed files as generic archives.

Originals stay untouched: it says it does not modify user files, though temporary converted files are created during checks.

Cue-mismatch options: users can provide original cue files or allow mismatches, giving CHD users a way to handle metadata the format cannot represent.

External setup required: CHD checks need two tools and RVZ checks need DolphinTool, all on the system PATH.

Temporary writes: frequent verification or large collections can make temporary storage a concern; the suggested RAM-drive approach adds setup of its own.

Alternatives

For a broader ROM-management option, browse the ROM Management Software category. Igir is another free choice for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use; choose it when its ROM-management scope better fits than verifydump’s CHD/RVZ-to-Redump checks. RomM is free forever, has no paid features, and runs across web, mobile, desktop, and self-hosted platforms; choose it if that broader platform reach is the priority.

OxyROMon is a free option for Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API, and self-hosted use. RomForge is a free MIT-licensed desktop app for Linux, macOS, and Windows. ROMie is free to download and use on those three desktop platforms. ClrMamePro is freeware for Linux and Windows. JRomManager is free and spans desktop, web, API, and self-hosted use; Nearcade is also free, with web, API, desktop, and self-hosted platforms.

Verdict

For emulator users who want to verify compressed CHD or RVZ collections against Redump Datfiles, verifydump is a focused, free tool that leaves originals unchanged. Choose it when that exact check is the goal and you are willing to manage the required external tools; look elsewhere if you want a broader ROM-management workflow or do not want command-line dependencies.