Window System Image Backup fails error code (0x807800C5)

Question

I am getting the following errors messages when trying to create a backup image:

There was a failure creating the backup image in one of the volumes in the backup set (0x807800C5)

Additional information:

The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process (0x80070020)

I have also attached a screenshot of the error message.

I have tried running sfx /scannow and that does not fix the problem.

This is a link to the event log entries when the failure occurs:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fg0c4907mh3o0s4/System%20Image%20Backup%20Failed.evtx

Answer 1

Check this thread:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-performance/windows-8-backup-error-code-0x807800c5/0ec7fea0-bb4d-44d2-9381-c364ef2c1f6c

http://superuser.com/questions/508932/windows-backup-failed-with-error-0x807800c5

Answer 2

Hi,

There are a lot of reasons that can cause this issue. To assist you further, have you tried the SFC and DISM? To run these, you may follow the steps provided by ZigZag3143 (MS -MVP) on his article. Give it a try.

We appreciate it if you could get back to us and provide us your feedback.

Answer 3

Thanks for your reply.

I did the SFC but to no avail.

DISM doesn't make any sense in my situation as I do not have an image anywhere.

I suspected the problem to be associated with some kind of UEFI security or protection mechanism which is actively locking down the EFI partition from unauthorized access.

When I run the Backup utility (SDCLT.EXE) there is no option to deselect any partition. All three are default included (EFI, System and Recovery). I'm backing up to an external, newly NTSC formatted Samsung SSD connected to a USB 3.0 port.

The PC is a Dell Latitude E5440.  Windows 10 is freshly installed, updated to 1703 and activated. No other Apps have yet been installed.

My intention is to make a clean system image before installing any apps.

When the Backup process begins, the progress window says:

Preparing to create backup...

Backing up EFI System Partition...

The last message just briefly flash on the screen and the error message is immediately displayed:

The  was a failure preparing the backup image of one of the volumes in the backup set. (0x807800C5)

Additional Information:

The specific backup disk cannot be found. ((0x80780081)

I'm not sure if the last message refers to the target or the source. As usual - MS developers takes things for granted when these cryptic error messages are written into their code.

The folder WindowsImageBackup is created on the destination drive, including all expected subfolders and files, but of course the vhdx file is tiny.

If I re-run the backup after first deleting the WindowsImageBackup folder from the target drive, the exact same failure happens all over again. (Note that the target drive contains nothing except the two default folders $RECYCLE.BIN and System Volume Information).

Now here comes the interesting part:

If I re-run the backup without first deleting the WindowsImageBackup folder, the program takes much longer time before failing, but this time with a slightly different error message:

Additional Information:

The mounted backup volume is inaccessible. Please retry the operation. (0x8078004F)

This led me to suspect that the error message indeed relates to the target and not the source. So I replaced the external SSD drive with another SSD drive. Same error. Then I tested with a third SSD drive. Same error.

Then I tried an external HDD drive - connected to the same USB 3.0 port, and guess what - Now the backup ran correctly!

Beats me why the backup fails with SSD drives and not with HDD drives!?

The only thing I can think of, is some kind of critical timing error that occurs in the Backup program itself because an SSD drive is just too quick to respond compared to an HDD. The program just may be overlooking or missing an ACK/NACK from the drive. Not entirely unexpected as SDCLT.EXE was developed almost a decade ago when SSD drives were hard to come by.

(Copying the WindowsImageBackup from the HDD to the SSD is no problem)

MS should indeed develop and include a decent backup/restore feature integrated with Windows 10.  The computing industry has become just like the automobile industry: My old Volvo used to have a spare wheel in the trunk - just in case. Not so anymore on the latest models. All they have is a phone number in the Users Manual to call a Volvo customer service rep in a 24/7 office, and talk to a nice young girl or boy who doesn't even have a drivers license.....

Have a nice day everyone :-)

Answer 4

I have this issue and I also have help desk support paid for

Answer 5

I had the same issue till now. I believe the problem is the EFI partition while the Windows trying to back up EFI partition with the image of Windows 10 if back up driver was not been formatted with EFI partition baciking up stops. so the solution is that  when you choose what do you want to back up options choose "Let me chose " and in the next screen unmark "include a system image of drivers:EfiSustem partition" 

It should be it.