Resolve "Unable to Find Jira Backup (entities.xml)" Error in Jira Data Center
Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian apps on the Data Center platform.
Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.
*Except Fisheye and Crucible
Summary
When trying to import a Jira Cloud backup into a new Jira Data Center installation, the following error occurs:
Error importing from zip file: "/path/to/backupfile.zip". Error: Unable to find JIRA backup (entities.xml) inside of zip file: /path/to/backupfile.zipHowever, the backup does contain the file and is not corrupted.
Diagnosis
Unzip the file to check the directory structure and the contained files.
Cause
The backup that was created is too large due to attachments that were included.
The files are in a subfolder inside the zip archive, or their names are not exactly
entities.xml, andactiveobjects.xml.
Solution
Unpack your backup file.
Create a new zip file containing only the files entities.xml and activeobjects.xml. ⚠️Make sure the files are in the archive's root and that their names are correct.
Import this new zip into Jira following the instructions in Migrating from Jira Cloud to Data Center applications.
Once the import is complete, copy the data folder into the new
<jira-home>folder.
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