Components of a data object are distributed throughout a data storage system. Manifests are used to store the locations of the components of data objects in a data storage system to allow for subsequent reconstruction of the data objects. The manifests may be stored in another data storage system when cost projections indicate it being economical to do so. If a manifest for a data object becomes lost or otherwise inaccessible, clues are used to regenerate the manifest, thereby providing a continued ability to access the components of the data object to reconstruct the data object.