Attempting to import a Jira Cloud export into Jira Server results in a non-descriptive error

Summary

When importing an XML export from Jira Cloud instance to Jira Server instance (such as a Cloud to Server migration), if the XML file was "Exported for Cloud" a non-descriptive error appears during import into Jira Server, and the import fails.

Environment

Two instances:

• Jira Cloud (instance you will backup/export from)
• Instance with newest version of Jira Server (instance you will restore/import into)

Steps to Reproduce

From a Jira Cloud instance, follow the steps within: Exporting issues - How to create a backup to create an XML export, to be imported into a Jira Server instance

1. Choose the Jira icon > Settings > System
2. In the Import and Export section, click Backup manager.
3. Select the type of backup:

• Select Create backup for cloud
  After the backup is complete, click the file link to download the backup.

On the Jira Server instance, there are two possible scenarios to restore/import the Cloud XML file:

Scenario 1: follow the steps within Import your data from Jira Cloud into Jira Server:

In step 2 of the setup wizard (Application Properties), you'll be asked whether you have existing data. Click Import your existing data, and follow instructions to import your XML backup.

Scenario 2: follow the steps within [Restoring https://confluence.atlassian.com/adminjiraserver/restoring-data-from-an-xml-backup-938847707.html]

Expected Results

Jira Importer will return an error stating that the XML file had been generated as an export for Jira Cloud, not an export for Jira Server.

Actual Results

The below non-descriptive error is displayed, and XML import fails:

Error: Error importing data: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: [GenericEntity.setString] "textvalue" is not a field of

Notes

KB Documentation Import your data from Jira Cloud into Jira Server, does not distinguish between "Exported for Cloud" and "Exported for Server" XML files. However, the user must manually view the XML and find the following entry:

___ Exported for ___________________________

 for                                           : cloud

Workaround

From the Jira Cloud instance, follow the steps within: Exporting issues - How to create a backup

1. Choose the Jira icon > Settings > System
2. In the Import and Export section, click Backup manager.
3. Select the type of backup:

• Select Create backup for Server
  After the backup is complete, click the file link to download the backup.

Once the above XML file is generated, you can double-check the file, opening it with a text editor, and find the following line:

___ Exported for ___________________________

 for                                           : server