Support backup configuration

**Problem**
When working with config, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

Start by locating the configuration handling and error paths described in the issue, then inspect how current failures are reported. Clarify what backup configuration must support and which debugging details are expected; done means the supported cases produce descriptive, actionable errors.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.