diff --git a/cmdline/sync.c b/cmdline/sync.c
index c1f92bc3..7cf72ac4 100644
--- a/cmdline/sync.c
+++ b/cmdline/sync.c
@@ -2155,21 +2155,32 @@ int state_sync(struct snapraid_state* state, block_off_t blockstart, block_off_t
 	}
 
 	/*
-	 * On close errors, abort without committing or persisting state,
-	 * keeping the previous content file intact for recovery on the next run.
+	 * Only a clean full sync makes all deallocation records obsolete.
+	 *
+	 * When process_error == 0, parity has been fully updated without the deleted
+	 * files, so state_commit() clears the dealloclist.
+	 *
+	 * If any error occurred, state_commit() is skipped so the dealloclist remains
+	 * intact. Calling state_write() below will then persist both the accumulated
+	 * deallocation records and any error markings to the content file, keeping
+	 * recovery data available across consecutive interrupted or failed runs.
 	 */
-	if (process_error != 0)
-		return -1;
+	if (process_error == 0) {
+		msg_status("Everything OK\n");
 
-	msg_status("Everything OK\n");
+		state_commit(state);
+	}
 
-	/* only a clean full sync makes all deallocation records obsolete */
-	state_commit(state);
-
-	/* persist progress and error markings only after all parity handles are closed */
+	/*
+	 * Persist progress, error markings, and pending deallocations only after
+	 * all parity handles are closed.
+	 */
 	if (state->need_write || state->opt.force_content_write)
 		state_write(state);
 
+	if (process_error != 0)
+		return -1;
+
 	return 0;
 }