Windows Error 0x80042302 Volume Shadow Copy Failed — What It Means & How to Fix It

Fix Windows error 0x80042302 when Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) fails, preventing system restore, backup, or disk imaging. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Error 0x80042302 indicates the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) cannot create a snapshot of the disk. VSS is used by System Restore, Windows Backup, and third-party backup applications. The error prevents creating restore points, system images, or consistent backups. VSS relies on multiple providers and writers that must all function correctly. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Volume Shadow Copy service is disabled or set to Manual startup type. VSS providers or writers are in a failed or unstable state. Insufficient disk space for the shadow copy storage area. Third-party backup software conflicting with the built-in VSS providers. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Ensure VSS service is running: services.msc > Volume Shadow Copy > set to Automatic > Start. Reset VSS writers: run vssadmin list writers and check for failed writers, then restart their associated services. Free up disk space and increase VSS storage: vssadmin resize shadowstorage /for=C: /on=C: /maxsize=10GB. Disable any third-party backup software temporarily and test if VSS works without it. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.