Media URL columns are completely blank for some records on XSL export but Image filenames export correctly

Hello KoboToolbox Community & Support Team,

I am experiencing a highly specific issue where a small batch of submissions successfully exported the raw image filenames, but the corresponding Media URL columns are completely blank.

This is occurring on the eu.kobotoolbox.org server, affecting exactly 7 records out of 400 total submissions.

Symptoms:

  • In the exported XLSX/CSV, the media question column displays the raw filename perfectly (e.g., 1780644986664.jpg).

  • The generated Media URL column is entirely blank for only these 7 records. The other 393 records in the same dataset generated their full https://eu.kobotoolbox.org/api/v2/... attachment hyperlinks flawlessly.

  • The images are not missing from the server. When checking the DATA > Gallery tab on the web dashboard, the photos for these 7 specific submissions are fully visible and open properly.

Context & Troubleshooting Already Completed:

  • Timeframe: The 7 affected records were all submitted at a very similar time with the other records.

  • Export Settings: “Include media URLs” is checked in the Advanced Export settings.

  • No Form Changes: The form has not been redeployed or modified.

  • Fresh Exports: Previous exports were completely deleted from the cache queue before running brand new XLS and CSV downloads, but the problem persists.

  • No Web Edits / Failed Manual Force: These records were not edited originally. However, as a troubleshooting step, I tried opening one of the affected records and resubmitting it without changes to force a database re-index. After deleting the old export cache and running a fresh download, the URL column still remained completely blank.

Welcome tot he community, @elshadayz2025! Could you kindly provide me with the following details through a private message? Maybe I could have a closer look at your case?

  • Username
  • Project name
  • Server

You should be able to send me a private message as outlined in the post discussed previously: