What is backup error 0x80071AC3?

Backup error 0x80071AC3 is a common error code that occurs when trying to create a system image backup on Windows computers. This error indicates that the backup process was unable to access the volume snapshot service (VSS), which is required to create a valid system image.

What Causes Error 0x80071AC3?

There are a few potential causes for backup error 0x80071AC3:

  • Corrupted VSS components – The Volume Shadow Copy Service relies on several VSS components, like writers, providers, and the VSS service itself. If any of these become damaged or corrupted, it can prevent proper communication and lead to 0x80071AC3 errors.
  • Incompatible backup software – Some backup tools may not be fully compatible with the Volume Shadow Copy Service on the version of Windows you are running. Using an outdated or incompatible backup program can trigger this error code.
  • Insufficient permissions – The backup utility requires proper permissions to access Volume Shadow Copy Service files and processes. If it is running with inadequate user permissions, you may encounter access denied errors like 0x80071AC3.
  • Conflicts with other services – Antivirus software and other system tools that interact with the VSS can sometimes conflict and cause interruptions that lead to 0x80071AC3 errors occurring.
  • Damaged system files – The system registry, core Windows files, or VSS components may become corrupted or damaged, preventing the VSS from operating normally.
  • Driver issues – Outdated, missing or corrupted drivers associated with storage, backup or VSS components can result in 0x80071AC3 backup failures.

How to Fix Error 0x80071AC3

There are a number of potential solutions you can try to resolve backup error 0x80071AC3:

Restart VSS Service

Often the VSS service just needs to be restarted to resolve any temporary glitches. You can restart it by following these steps:

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt window.
  2. Type “net stop vss” and press Enter to stop the service.
  3. After it has stopped, type “net start vss” and press Enter to restart it.

Then try running the backup again. If the 0x80071AC3 error persists, move on to further solutions.

Update or Reinstall Backup Software

An outdated or incompatible backup program can cause this error code. Update your backup software to the latest version and try again. If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall the backup application completely.

Change Backup Permissions

Make sure the account running the backup has Full Control permissions for the volume shadow copy folder located at C:\System Volume Information. You may need to take ownership of the folder first before granting Full Control.

Disable Antivirus and Other Services

Temporarily disable any antimalware scanners, disk monitoring, or other services that may interfere with the Volume Shadow Copy Service. After completing the backup, they can be re-enabled.

Run System File Checker

Corrupted Windows files could be causing the 0x80071AC3 error. Run System File Checker to scan and replace problematic files:

  1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
  2. Type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter.
  3. Restart your computer once finished.

Use DISM to Repair VSS

You can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to scan and repair any problems with the Volume Shadow Copy Service:

  1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
  2. Type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to finish. Restart your PC.

Uninstall Backup Software

If none of those solutions resolve the 0x80071AC3 error, try completely uninstalling and removing your backup software. Reboot your computer and then reinstall a fresh copy of the backup application.

Format Backup Drive

Corruption or file system errors on the backup drive itself can also lead to failed backups with error 0x80071AC3. As a last resort, you can try reformatting the backup storage drive and starting over.

How to Prevent Error 0x80071AC3 in the Future

Once you resolve the 0x80071AC3 error, there are some things you can do to prevent it from recurring in the future:

  • Keep your backup software updated to the latest version.
  • Perform regular disk cleanup and optimization.
  • Don’t install secondary backup tools that may conflict.
  • Make sure you have proper permissions configured.
  • Periodically run SFC and DISM scans to fix system file errors.
  • Examine backup logs for any recurring patterns or issues.

Conclusion

Backup error 0x80071AC3 is commonly caused by VSS and system file corruption issues. Restarting services, updating software, running SFC and DISM scans, and adjusting permissions can often resolve it. Preventative system maintenance and keeping backup software updated can help avoid 0x80071AC3 errors in the long run. If the error persists, a more robust system restore or drive reformat may be required to get past the problem.

Cause Solution
Corrupted VSS Components Run SFC and DISM scans
Incompatible Backup Software Update or reinstall backup application
Insufficient Permissions Grant Full Control of VSS folder

Following the troubleshooting steps outlined can help diagnose and resolve backup error 0x80071AC3. Paying close attention to backup logs and patterns can also reveal the underlying cause. With the right mix of software repairs, system scans, and preventative maintenance, you can get past this error code and resume reliable image backups.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Error 0x80071AC3

What is the volume shadow copy service?

The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) is a Windows service that facilitates creating snapshots of volumes or drives so that backups can be performed while applications are running. It coordinates with backup apps, writers, providers and drivers to copy and store consistent volume snapshots.

Why won’t my Windows backup go through?

Common reasons Windows backup fails include insufficient permissions, low disk space, shadow copy errors, service not running, hanging processes, software incompatibilities and problems with the target backup drive. Error codes like 0x80071AC3 typically point to issues with VSS.

How do I enable VSS in Windows 10?

VSS should be enabled by default in Windows 10. You can confirm it is running by opening the Services utility and checking for the Volume Shadow Copy service. If it is disabled or not running, right-click it and choose Start to enable it.

How do I run a VSS scan?

You can scan VSS in Windows 10 using the DISM command line tool. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run ‘DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth’ to perform scans and repairs of VSS.

Why is my Windows backup not working?

Common Windows backup failures include insufficient disk space, disabled services, software conflicts, target drive issues, exceeded storage quotas, and shadow copy errors like 0x80071AC3. Verifying VSS health, updating software and drivers, and adjusting permissions may resolve the backup problems.

What does error 0x80042302 mean?

Error code 0x80042302 indicates a shadow copy error occurred because the volume being copied to the backup could not be found. This is often caused by excessive disk fragmentation. Defragmenting the volume and restarting VSS can typically resolve this backup error.

How do I troubleshoot VSS snapshot errors?

Strategies for troubleshooting VSS snapshot errors include restarting VSS writers, running DISM and SFC scans, checking drive health, updating backup software, adjusting permissions, removing software conflicts and examining system and application logs for clues.

What is VSSadmin list writers?

Running ‘vssadmin list writers’ in Command Prompt will display all VSS writers registered on the system. Writers are processes that participate in creating volume snapshots. Examining this list can reveal problematic writers causing shadow copy errors.

How do I know if my VSS is working?

You can verify VSS is working by checking if the service is running in Services, monitoring Event Viewer for VSS errors, examining vssadmin output, running a DISM scan, and testing a backup. If snapshots are being created properly, VSS is functioning correctly.

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Useful Resources for Troubleshooting Error 0x80071AC3

Here are some helpful online resources for troubleshooting and resolving Windows backup error 0x80071AC3:

Microsoft Support Articles

Tech Community Forums

YouTube Tutorials

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Example Causes and Solutions for Error 0x80071AC3

Error Context Possible Causes Potential Solutions
Occurs creating system image backup in Windows 10 using File History
  • File History app needs updated
  • Insufficient user permissions
  • VSS service not starting
  • Update File History in Settings app
  • Grant user Full Control of VSS folder
  • Restart VSS service in Services utility
Error appears when running backup software at startup
  • VSS not initialized fully at startup
  • Program has incorrect service dependencies
  • Delay scheduled backup task by a few minutes
  • Edit service dependencies in backup app config
0x80071AC3 occurs making system repair disc
  • System files like vssvc.exe corrupt
  • Hard drive contains bad sectors
  • Run SFC and DISM scans
  • Run chkdsk to check for bad sectors
Occurs during full backup by third party software
  • Software has bug or defect
  • Program’s VSS component outdated
  • Check for software updates or patches
  • Contact backup software vendor support

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Tips for Avoiding and Recovering from Error 0x80071AC3

Here are some best practice tips for avoiding and dealing with backup error 0x80071AC3:

Perform Regular Maintenance

Do regular disk cleanup, defragging, Windows Update installs, DISM and SFC scans, and VSS writer checks. This helps avoid file corruptions that can lead to 0x80071AC3 errors.

Keep Backup Software Updated

Always keep your backup application patched and up-to-date. Older versions are more prone to compatibility issues and bugs causing 0x80071AC3.

Isolate Backup Drive

Use a dedicated backup drive just for images and data backup. This minimizes the chance of cross-contamination of data errors.

Examine Logs

Checking logs immediately after a 0x80071AC3 error can reveal the triggering issue before it compounds. VSS admins logs and application event logs provide clues.

Test Restores

Periodically do test restores of backups to confirm they are valid and complete. This guards against undiscovered 0x80071AC3 corruption.

Have Multiple Backups

Maintain both local and cloud backup copies so one faulty image does not result in total data loss. This provides redundancy if 0x80071AC3 strikes.

Quarantine Then Replace

If a certain backup consistently generates 0x80071AC3 errors, isolate it and try replacing the media or drives involved to remove any persistent points of failure.

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Conclusion

In summary, backup error 0x80071AC3 is generally caused by corruption or incompatibility issues with the Volume Shadow Copy Service in Windows. Typical solutions include scanning for system file errors, updating backup software, adjusting permissions, isolating points of interference and performing image restore tests. With a few strategic troubleshooting steps, this common error code can often be resolved and future instances prevented through vigilant system maintenance practices.

Creating regular backups is critical to avoiding data loss, and errors like 0x80071AC3 undermine this protection if not properly addressed. Thankfully by digging into root causes, applying targeted fixes, and employing preventative measures, users can overcome 0x80071AC3 errors and maintain reliable backups.