Restoring from Local site files failing - compatible zip file error

Support
1

What issue or error are you experiencing?

When attempting to restore sites from Local site files after re-installing Local, the restoration process is failing.

I have followed the instructions for restoring from a Local site file and have zipped the whole site folder as directed.

The restoration process works up until the importing database step, when I’m given an error message that states “please try again with a compatible zip file”.

What steps can be taken to replicate the issue? Feel free to include screenshots, videos, etc

Create zip file of existing Local site, drag & drop zip archive over Local window to start site restoration process.

System Details

  • Local Version: 9.0.5

  • Operating System (OS) and OS version: Mac 11.7.1

Local Logs

Attach your Local Logs here (Help Doc - Retrieving Local’s Log)

local-lightning.log (342.7 KB)

Security Reminder
Local does a pretty good job of scrubbing private info from the logs and the errors it produces, however there’s always the possibility that something private can come through. Because these are public forums, always review the screenshots you are sharing to make sure there isn’t private info like passwords being displayed.

2

Hi @laurievitas

As a workaround you can try unzipping the site, and then manually importing the files and database using the steps here:

Manually Import a Local Site

Oftentimes when we see this error it’s because something is confusing the native import process. Maybe the site has extra backup files, DB backups, modified core files, etc

3

Hi @Nick-B. When you say “modified core files” do you only mean core WordPress files that have been modified, or would you count custom files added to WordPress root folder also?

4

Moreso core WordPress files that have been modified @CodeSlayer2010! It’s not necessarily always going to be an issue, but those are some of the common culprits when we see this error pop up.

1 Like