How to fix Volume Shadow Copy Service after Windows 11 Upgrade

Mike 21 Reputation points
2022-01-30T00:03:40.797+00:00

Hi
On Windows 10, Volume Shadow Copy Service was working perfectly because I had system restore points but more importantly I had Macrium Reflect using shadow copies to create images and SyncBack was able to use the shadow copy to copy busy files like PSTs. After Windows 11 update, the Volume Shadow Copy Service no longer works and running CMD commands like "vssadmin list writers" shows no errors and all "state 1 stable". There is also only one "writer" as always.

Attempting to "open system restore" shows this error

169631-image.png

...and the event log:
Volume Shadow Copy Service error: Unexpected error IOCTL Unpack overflow. hr = 0x8000ffff, Catastrophic failure
Volume Shadow Copy Service error: Unexpected error calling routine Output buffer overflow. Reading bad arguments. dwSize = 8. hr = 0x8000ffff, Catastrophic failure

As I now have no Macrium images going through this is a priority for me to solve so help appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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Accepted answer
  1. Mike C 76 Reputation points
    2022-02-13T02:57:46.753+00:00

    So it seems a 3rd party drive pool product I was using released a beta to help with Win11 compatibility and it is somehow breaking the Shadow Copy service (ie no restore point possible). Removed this product and Restore Points again possible.

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2 additional answers

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  1. S.Sengupta 24,636 Reputation points MVP
    2022-01-30T01:16:05.553+00:00

    Type ‘services.msc’ in the empty field of the Run box and hit the Enter key.

    find ‘Volume Shadow Copy’ entry.

    When found, double-click the entry.

    Set the Startup type to ‘Automatic (Delayed Start)’ and click the Start button below it.

    Also configure the Startup type for ‘Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider’ to Automatic (Delayed Start) and Start the service.

    Perform a Clean Boot and then try to run the operation you want.


  2. Docs 15,761 Reputation points
    2022-02-13T03:36:53.59+00:00

    Readers / viewers may benefit from viewing the name of the third party software.


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