NSX Manager GUI backup fails when using unsupported SFTP server configurations

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to configure or run an automated backup from the VMware NSX Manager GUI, the backup fails. Manual SFTP transfers via the Command Line Interface from the NSX Manager to the same target may succeed, but the GUI-driven process does not complete. This issue typically occurs when the SFTP server is running an unsupported operating system or OpenSSH version, such as Rocky Linux.

Environment

 

• Product: VMware NSX

• Version: 4.x

• SFTP Target: Rocky Linux 9.6, OpenSSH 8.7p1

 

Cause

The NSX Manager backup service is designed to work with a specific set of supported SFTP targets. Using an unsupported OS like Rocky Linux for the backup repository can lead to failures in the automated backup workflow, even if basic connectivity is present.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, you must ensure your backup environment meets the supported requirements:

1. Verify Compatibility: Review the Configure a Backup Location section of the NSX Administration Guide to confirm your SFTP server OS and OpenSSH version are supported.

2. Deploy Supported Target: If your current server is unsupported, deploy a new SFTP target using a supported Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu or RHEL versions specified in the guide).