Problem description
When attempting to use the Restore screen to search and recover specific files on a File Server workload, the Druva console intermittently displays an Internal Server Error.
This issue typically occurs shortly after initiating a search query—especially when using wildcard patterns (e.g., *.txt or *.string*) across broad or unrestricted date ranges—preventing users from viewing or selecting their files for recovery.
Cause
The Internal Server Error is triggered by a processing timeout in the metadata search indexer.
When a query combines a leading wildcard (placing an asterisk * at the beginning of the search string) with a large date range, the indexer is forced to execute a full-scan evaluation of millions of recorded file attributes. If this intensive metadata query exceeds the maximum allowable request timeout limit, the session drops and returns a generic server error.
Traceback
HTTP 500 Internal Server Error [Error] SearchIndexerTimeoutException: Metadata query execution time exceeded maximum threshold (120000 ms). [Error] Query evaluation failed for pattern '*.string*' across date range [ALL].
Resolution
To bypass search index timeouts and successfully locate files for restoration, employ the following search optimizations:
1. Optimize the Search Query (Recommended)
Remove Leading Wildcards: Avoid placing wildcards at the start of your query. Instead of searching for
*.ABCD.txt, search directly using a unique string or specific alphanumeric identifier, such asABCD.Narrow the Date Range: Restrict search parameters to a localized timeline (e.g., the specific week or month the file was created/modified) rather than searching across the entire backup history. This significantly reduces the volume of metadata records scanned by the indexer.
2. Use the "Direct Browse" Alternative
If the exact filename is unknown or if search criteria remain too broad:
Bypass the search bar on the Restore screen.
Navigate directly through the file tree hierarchy under Direct Browse.
Select the required snapshot/recovery point and manually browse to the target folder path to select files for restoration.
Include and exclude filters
Include Filters: Apply explicit search filters specifying precise extensions without leading asterisks (e.g.,
docx,pdf).Exclude Filters: Exclude system files or temp directories if searching high-density volumes.
Verification
Open the Restore wizard for the affected File Server.
Enter a specific search query without leading wildcards (e.g.,
Invoice_2026) and restrict the date range to a specific month.Confirm that the search results populate within seconds without displaying an
Internal Server Error.