Fix: Volume Shadow Copy Errors When Running Backup Software

Symptoms:
Backup software uses a Microsoft service called Volume Shadow copy Service to enable disk images to be created and files to be backed up when in use.
When VSS fails it can sometimes mean that you are unable to create a disk image or backup open files.
The Bakup software will usually gives errors accessing the file or the VSS service.
The Application or System Event logs will list some error events related to VSS:
Events 12301:
Volume Shadow Copy Service error: Writer MSDEWriter did not respond to a GatherWriterStatus call.Event 12302:
Volume Shadow Copy Service error: An internal inconsistency was detected in trying to contact shadow copy service writers. Please check to see that the Event Service and Volume Shadow Copy Service are operating properly.


Solution:
1. Make sure you run all Windows updates for your system (especially for Server 2003 there are some updates packages for VSS)
2. Download and run the following fix-tools according to your system type 32/64 bit:
 
VSSfix for 32bit
VSSfix for 64bit
 
* the tools are provided by Macrium Reflect backup software company, as a fix for their customers. but it can be used by everyone because it fixes a failed system component of Windows.
 
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