"Windows Backup Failed While Trying To Read From The Shadow Copy [New Fixes in 2024]"

Imagine that you have successfully set up Windows Backup, operating normally. You're filled with joy. Then, one day, you get to your computer, and there's a delightful error message waiting for you that reads, "Windows Backup Failed While Trying to Read from the Shadow Copy."

You've tried every possible solution, yet your data backup remains unsuccessful. The issue persists due to an inability to read a shadow copy on a specific volume, resulting in continuous error messages regarding a failure. However, there's no need to worry as the solution is straightforward. This article will guide you through understanding the problem and the available remedies to resolve it.

What Is a Shadow Copy in Windows Backup? A Shadow Copy, also known as a "volume snapshot," is a feature in Windows Backup that creates a snapshot of a file or folder at a specific point in time. It allows users to access previous versions of their files, even if they have been modified or deleted since the snapshot was taken. This feature is particularly useful for data recovery and backup purposes. When a shadow copy is created, Windows makes a copy of the data that has changed since the last backup or snapshot, without affecting the original files. These copies are stored separately and can be accessed through the File History feature (in newer versions of Windows) or the Previous Versions tab in the context menu when right-clicking a folder. Shadow Copy is primarily used for system state backups, which include critical system components such as the registry, system settings, and important system files. It's also used by some third-party backup software to provide versioning capabilities. The feature works by coordinating with Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which ensures that applications and processes are quiesced temporarily while the snapshot is being taken, preventing any inconsistencies in the data. In summary, a Shadow Copy in Windows Backup is a tool that enables users to recover previous versions of their files by creating snapshots of the data at specific points in time, providing an additional layer of protection and data management.

A shadow copy is a snapshot of a volume, which captures an exact replica of all the data stored on that volume at a specific point in time. Each shadow copy is assigned a unique, persistent Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) for identification by the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). VSS is a Windows service responsible for creating these backups. It enables users to create shadow copies and store them locally, on an external drive (or if you're interested in learning how to backup OneDrive files to an external hard drive), or even on a network device.

Shadow Copies can only be created and stored using the NTFS file system. Consequently, Windows Backup and Restore's Shadow Copy feature can only protect NTFS disks. Both File History and System Restore function similarly in this regard. You might have more shadow copies of your work than you're aware of. A genuine shadow copy is generated each time a system restore point is created. In case something goes wrong with your Windows 10 setup, you can revert to an earlier version with the assistance of a system restore software.

Solve "Windows Backup Failed While Trying to Read from the Shadow Copy"

"The Windows Backup Failed While Trying to Read from the Shadow Copy Error" indicates that your Windows operating system was unable to read the available duplicate backup copies of data. There are several methods to resolve this issue; let's explore them below (with a quick navigation guide): 1. **Check for Disk Errors:** - Run the built-in 'chkdsk' utility to scan and fix any disk errors. 2. **Update Drivers:** - Ensure that all storage drivers are up to date to avoid compatibility issues. 3. **Re-Enable Shadow Copies:** - Disable and then re-enable the Shadow Copy service in the Services Management Console. 4. **VSS Settings:** - Check Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) settings and ensure they are correctly configured. 5. **Disk Space:** - Make sure there is enough free space on the disk where shadow copies are stored. 6. **System Restore:** - Perform a System Restore to a point before the error occurred. 7. **Manually Create a Shadow Copy:** - Use the Command Prompt to manually create a shadow copy to test the functionality. 8. **Third-Party Tools:** - Utilize a reliable third-party backup software to create backups. 9. **Windows Update:** - Install the latest Windows updates, which may include bug fixes for this issue. 10. **Contact Support:** - If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Microsoft Support for professional assistance. Remember to back up important files before attempting any fixes, as some steps might involve altering system settings.

1. Solution 1: Use Todo Backup Free
2. Solution 2: Run Troubleshoot
3. Solution 3: Retry Windows Backup

Solution 1: Utilize Todo Backup Free

Having difficulty accessing your backup files? Trust Tool's free backup program to secure your data and ensure your future. It boasts a user-friendly interface with extensive features, enabling you to back up your disk, partition backup, operating system, and files, and save these backups to local disks, NAS, network, or cloud storage.

There are no assurances that essential features will be incorporated in free backup software. Free users are typically granted access to an array of advanced backup options, such as incremental backup software and differential backup, scheduled backups, encrypted backups, selecting backup frequency, enabling image reserve policy, and more.

You can opt to follow the steps below to utilize it:

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup on your computer, and click Create Backup on the home screen. Then, hit the large question mark to select backup contents.

Step 2. To back up your Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the backup task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system information and all system-related files and partitions will be automatically selected, so you don't need to make any manual selections here. Next, you'll need to choose a location to save the system image backup by clicking on the highlighted area.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, network, cloud, or NAS. Generally, we recommend using an external physical drive or cloud to store the system backup files.

Step 5. If you're interested, you can access customization settings such as enabling an automatic backup schedule for daily, weekly, monthly, or event-based backups, as well as creating differential and incremental backups by clicking the Options button. Press "Backup Now" to initiate the Windows system backup process. Once completed, the backup task will be displayed on the left side in a card format.

You'll notice that the Todo Backup Free tool is very convenient and user-friendly, making it worth downloading.

Solution 2: Run Troubleshooting If you encounter any issues while running your program or application, the first step in troubleshooting is to run the built-in troubleshooter. This can help diagnose and potentially fix common problems. Here's how you can do it: 1. **Windows Users:** - Press `Windows key + I` to open Settings. - Click on `Update & Security`. - Select `Troubleshoot` from the left panel. - Scroll down and find the troubleshooter related to your issue (e.g., 'Programs', 'Internet Connections', or 'Windows Store Apps'). - Click on it and then `Run the troubleshooter`. 2. **Mac Users:** - Click on the Apple menu and select `System Preferences`. - Choose `Software Update` to ensure your system is up to date. - If the issue is related to an app, go to `App Store`, click on your profile picture in the top right corner, and check if there are any available updates for the problematic app. - For general troubleshooting, click on the Apple menu again, then `System Preferences`, and `Help`. Search for "troubleshoot" or the specific issue you're facing. 3. **Android Users:** - Go to `Settings`. - Tap on `System`. - Select `Advanced` (on some devices, it may be labeled as `Additional settings`). - Choose ` troubleshoot` or `Device Assistants`. - Follow the prompts to identify and solve the issue. 4. **iOS/iPadOS Users:** - Open `Settings`. - Tap on `General`. - Select `Transfer & Reset`. - Choose `Reset` followed by `Reset All Settings`. Note that this will reset all your settings but not delete your data. - Alternatively, you can try updating your iOS version or the problematic app. Remember, if the troubleshooter doesn't resolve the issue, you might need to seek further assistance, like consulting the app's support documentation, online forums, or contacting customer support.

In case of a Volume Shadow Copy issue, there's no immediate need to seek assistance. To ensure smooth business operations, follow these troubleshooting steps for Volume Shadow Copy:

Step 1: Remove all backup programs except for one. It's not advisable to run multiple backup programs on the same server.

Step 2: Restart the Volume Shadow Copy service using the Services console. Translation: Step 2: Restart the Volume Shadow Copy service through the Services console.

Step 3: Reboot the server as necessary.

Step 4: Disable Volume Shadow Copy, and then re-enable it.

Note: To check for any available VSS updates, visit the Microsoft Support website. Ensure that they are compatible with the version of Windows currently installed on the server in question.

Fix 3: Re-run Windows Backup

Occasionally, your Desktop might encounter Java malware that can evade secure software, resulting in this error message. If you've attempted the solutions mentioned above and still haven't resolved the issue, make sure to give this fix a try!

Step 1: Open Explorer (use the Win-E keyboard shortcut)

Step 2: Proceed to the View tab in the Folder and Search Options menu, accessible under the Organize menu. Make sure the checkbox labeled "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" is ticked. Then, click the OK button to proceed.

For Windows 11, proceed to the View tab, then select Show, and finally choose Hidden Items.

Step 3: To access the cache, go to the following location: C: \Users\YOUR ACCOUNT NAME\AppData\LocalLow\Sun\Java\Deployment\cache\6.0.

Step 4: Delete every numbered folder in the above directory.

Step 5: Restart the Backup Windows process.

If you wish to learn more about backups, the article below might be just what you need.

How to Automatically Backup PC in Windows 11 [3 Easy Ways]

Discover our comprehensive guide on how to automatically backup your PC in Windows 11. Click now to skip the manual hassle and complete the process in minutes.

Conclusion

The "Windows backup failed to read from the Shadow Copy" error can be resolved through various methods. You have two main choices: either rectify the issue to restore the functionality of the Windows backup utility, such as running troubleshooting or restarting the backup process, or seek an alternative reliable backup solution. The ultimate goal is to permanently resolve the backup problem.

We recommend utilizing the tool Todo Backup Free Software, which not only ensures the safety of your data but also creates a bootable backup. This backup comes in handy in case of system crashes, Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, or hardware failures that prevent your computer from starting up.

FAQ - The Error: "Windows Backup Failed While Trying to Read from The Shadow Copy"

1. How do I delete the Windows Backup Shadow Copy?

Step 1: Open File Explorer, right-click on the volume where you want to disable Volume Shadow Copies, and choose "Disable Volume Shadow Copies."

Step 2: Ensure that Configure Shadow Copies is selected.

Step 3: Select the volume and click the Disable button, then click the Delete Now button.

2. What is the distinction between shadow copy and backups?

Shadow Copy is a backup strategy in which Windows automatically creates backups of files and folders to a designated area on the same storage drive, according to the administrator's settings. The default storage capacity for these copies is 64. The shadow copy backup process cannot be initiated until this service is activated. This feature was first introduced in the Windows 2003 Server+ operating system.

A shadow copy backup ensures that even files in use while the backup is being performed are safeguarded. It essentially saves a snapshot of the current file system. Simultaneously, straightforward backups are carried out during non-peak business hours. These can be done locally as well as online. Scheduled backups are created across various mediums, including SAN (Storage Area Network), NAS (Network Attached Storage), tape drives, physical hard disks, and so on.

3. How do I access shadow copy files? To access shadow copy files, follow these steps: 1. Open File Explorer on your Windows computer. 2. Navigate to the folder that contains the original file you want to access the shadow copy of. 3. Right-click on the file or folder and select "Properties" from the context menu. 4. In the Properties window, click on the "Previous Versions" tab. 5. If available, you should see a list of shadow copies (also known as previous versions) of the file or folder. These are saved at different points in time. 6. Select the version you want to access and click on "Open" to view its contents or "Restore" to replace the current file with the selected version. Note: Shadow copies are typically created by Windows Backup, System Restore, or third-party backup software. Make sure that these features were enabled and have created backups before attempting to access shadow copy files.

To access the "Shadow Copies" feature in the Windows operating system, follow these steps: right-click on the file, folder, or drive in question, choose "Properties," and then click on "Previous Versions."