Missing exportDescriptor.properties in backup ZIP

Question

I created a Confluence Cloud backup (with attachments) using the Backup Manager (resulting in a confluence_backup_csv_date file).
Now I’m trying to restore a space on a new Confluence Cloud site using the “Import from Confluence Cloud” option.

However, the import always fails with this error message:

Missing 'exportDescriptor.properties' file

When I unzip the backup file to check, I can confirm that there is no exportDescriptor.properties file inside — but this ZIP was generated directly by Confluence’s own Backup Manager, so I didn’t modify anything manually.

Any help or insight would be really appreciated!

Tudor Tofan · Answer

Hi @Sebastian !

You can always import your backup into a temporary new site. Then you can create the space export for your space and then import it where you need.

If my answer helps you, I would really appreciate it if you mark it as "accepted"

Sebastian_02cn9o · Answer

Hi @Tudor Tofan
thank you for the explanation.

Is there any way to import my Confluence backup though?

Unfortunately the old Space is no longer available, so I cannot use the Space Import/Export Tool.

Best,
Sebastian

Tudor Tofan · Answer

Hi @Sebastian !

You have created a Confluence backup, while the tool you are trying to use is the Space Import, which allows you to import only single spaces.

To use the Space Import tool, you should have created a Space Export in the other environment.

You should go to the space you want to export -> settings -> general -> space export. To import the space in a different environment, I highly recommed you chose XML export.

P.S.: For the export operation, you need to have the Export permission on that space