Backup fails "A shadow copy could not be created"

Question

Windows 11 - I try to do a backup to an external disk

(formatted as NTFS) and keep getting message

"A shadow copy could not be created"

the service "Volume Shadow Service" is "running"

with "startup type" = "Automatic (Delayed Start)"

Answer 1

Open an elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator) and run:

vssadmin list writers

All writers should show:

State: Stable

Last error: No error

Again, open Command Prompt as Admin and type these:

net stop vss

net stop swprv

regsvr32 /s ole32.dll

regsvr32 /s vss_ps.dll

vssvc /register

net start swprv

net start vss

In Start Search type Services.msc and hit the Enter key:

VSS depends on these services — make sure they're all running and set to Automatic:

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) — must be running

DCOM Server Process Launcher — must be running

COM+ Event System — must be running

Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider (swprv)

Answer 2

The error message "A shadow copy could not be created" typically indicates an issue with the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) or insufficient resources for creating the shadow copy. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Check Disk Space: Ensure that there is enough disk space on the external drive where you are trying to back up. Insufficient disk space can prevent shadow copies from being created.
2. VSS Service Status: Although you mentioned that the VSS service is running, you might want to restart it. Open a command prompt as an administrator and run the following commands:

      net stop vss
      net start vss
   

3. Check for Conflicting Software: Sometimes, other backup software or security applications can interfere with VSS. Ensure that no other backup processes are running at the same time.
4. Increase VSS Storage Size: If the shadow copy storage area is full, you may need to increase its size. You can do this using the vssadmin command:

      vssadmin resize shadowstorage /for=C: /on=C: /maxsize=10%  
   

   Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter.
5. Check Event Viewer: Look for any related errors in the Event Viewer under Windows Logs > Application and System. This can provide more specific information about what might be causing the issue.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider checking for updates or patches for Windows 11 that may address known issues with VSS.

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References:

• Backup fails with VSS event ID 12292 and 11 on Windows Server
• Troubleshoot System State Backup