NSX Manager Backup stuck in progress due to mountpoint permission issues

Products

• VMware NSX

Issue/Introduction

• NSX Manager scheduled backup status shows In Progress indefinitely in the UI.
• Individual backup tasks may report failures such as: Either backup server login or unauthorized access to backup directory.
• Manual SSH/SFTP connectivity from the NSX Manager CLI to the backup server works, but NSX backups fail.
• The backup destination is a mountpoint (e.g., NFS/SMB) attached to the remote backup server rather than local storage.

Environment

VMware NSX

Cause

The NSX Manager backup process may encounter file access permission restrictions when the destination directory is a mountpoint to a third machine. Even if the service account can authenticate via SSH, the underlying filesystem permissions on the remote mountpoint may prevent the automated service from initializing or writing the backup bundle.

Resolution

This is a condition that may occur in a VMware NSX environment.

Workaround: Repoint to Local Storage

1. Log in to the NSX Manager UI.
2. Navigate to System > Lifecycle Management > Backup & Restore > Edit.
3. Repoint the Destination: Change the backup directory path to a location on the remote SFTP server that is local storage, rather than a mountpoint to a third machine.
4. Update Configuration: Fill all mandatory fields, including the passphrase, to ensure the configuration is valid.
5. Save and Override: Click Save. This action re-initializes the backup configuration.
6. Trigger Manual Backup: Click Start Backup. This will override the existing "In Progress" status and initiate a new transfer to the local storage.

Additional Information

NSX-BACK-FAIL