Automatic Backups no longer have link to download

marc4

Is anyone else having a problem with automated workspace backups? The email used to contain a link to download the backup in zip format. Now the link just goes to a blank page.

/marc

ChristianFinke

Hey @marc4

That sounds frustrating! It might be a permissions issue or a glitch with the backup system. Try opening the link in an incognito window or another browser to rule out any browser quirks. If that doesn’t work, double-check your workspace permissions. If it’s still acting up, reaching out to Smartsheet Support is probably the way to go—they can confirm if it's a known issue. Let me know if this helps!

Jay DeLuca

I struggled with this but found a solution. Smartsheet changed how this works in conjunction with or shortly after the GUI refresh they launched several months back. You now need to click the link in your email which will open Smartsheet. Once in, you will go to your folder tree and right click on the Workspace you want to download the backup for. From there you have two options in the menu to get to your backups for download: Select either Request Backup or Schedule Recurring Backup (don't worry, neither will launch an immediate action). Once you do so, there is a grey button on the bottom left of the pop-up window that says View Recent Backups, click it. The pop-up window will refresh with a table of your most recent backups and you can download any from there.

Editorial: I'm not sure if this is the intended "go to" way Smartsheet wants us to download backups now but assuming I am not missing a more straight forward, easy way to do so, it is not very intuitive at all. For instance, if you are going to go this route, why not outline in the automatic notification email via a reminder that process has recently changed with direction on how to access and download? Further, why not include the option "Download Backup" as a top level option in the menu when right clicking on the Workspace? Burrying the action where it is currently obscures the solution and isn't very user friendly for those of us who depend on backups.

Marc Hauge

I found the solution too, but it is terrible. What is Smartsheet doing with this? Awful user experience and backups are such a critical component.