Troubleshooting Windows Server System State Backup Failures [Solution]
Key Notes
- Ensure VSS writer permissions are appropriately set.
- Use Windows Event Viewer to identify specific errors.
- Modify registry settings if necessary for proper access rights.
Troubleshooting Windows Server System State Backup Failures: A Comprehensive Guide
Addressing system state backup failures in Windows Server is crucial for maintaining server integrity. This guide covers essential steps to resolve backup errors.
Resolving Windows Server System State Backup Failures
Step 1: Launch Command Prompt with Administrative Privileges
Begin by clicking on Start, typing Command Prompt in the search, and selecting Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Execute Permission Commands
Paste the following commands into the Command Prompt and press Enter :
Takeown /f %windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames /a
icacls %windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(RX)"
icacls %windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames /grant "NT Service\trustedinstaller:(F)"
icacls %windir%\winsxs\temp\PendingRenames /grant BUILTIN\Users:(RX)
Takeown /f %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\* /a
icacls %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*.* /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(RX)"
icacls %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*.* /grant "NT Service\trustedinstaller:(F)"
icacls %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*.* /grant BUILTIN\Users:(RX)
net stop cryptsvc
net start cryptsvc
Step 3: Verify the VSS Status
Next, check the status of the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) by running:
vssadmin list writers
Step 4: Investigate Windows Event Viewer for Errors
If the system writer is missing, open Windows Event Viewer to locate errors with the following details:
Log Name: Application Source: VSS Event ID: 8213 Level: Error Description: Volume Shadow Copy Service error: The process that hosts the writer with name System Writer and ID {e8132975-6f93-4464-a53e-1050253ae220} does not run under a user with sufficient access rights.
Step 5: Modify Registry Settings
In case of a missing writer, access the Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\VSS\VssAccessControl
Modify the NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE key in the right pane by setting the Value Data to 1.
Step 6: Recheck VSS Status and Retry Backup
Return to the elevated Command Prompt and again verify the VSS status:
vssadmin list writers
Confirm the System Writer is functioning correctly without errors. Retry the system state backup and observe if the issue persists.
Additional Tips
- Always create a restore point before making registry changes.
- Ensure your server is updated with the latest patches and services to avoid compatibility issues.
- Consider using backup validation tools to regularly check the integrity of your backups.
Summary
This guide outlined the essential steps to troubleshoot and resolve Windows Server system state backup failures. By checking permissions, verifying the status of the VSS, and making necessary registry adjustments, you can ensure your backup processes run smoothly.
Conclusion
By following the methods discussed in this guide, you should be able to effectively troubleshoot and fix any issues related to Windows Server system state backup failures. Regular maintenance and monitoring of your backup systems can prevent future problems, ensuring your server remains reliable and functional.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I fix Windows backup error?
To fix errors with Windows backup, check your hard drive by performing a chkdsk scan. This process will repair disk errors and recover data from bad sectors. Additionally, ensure that there is sufficient disk space and examine the status of your VSS writers.
How do I restore my system state backup?
To restore your system state backup, navigate to Control Panel, and select System and Security > Backup and Restore. Click on Recover system settings > Advanced recovery methods and follow the prompts displayed on the screen.