Error: "VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup"

Topic

This article explains how to resolve the error:

"VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup"

Environment

  • Datto Windows Agent

Description

An issue has been reported with the Datto Windows Agent version 3.0.3.0 and newer, that results in a failed backup with the following error message:

Wed 30/03/22 10:42:36 am - Generic runtime error caught trying to take snapshot: Could not configure snapshot volume: \\?\Volume{e7428d06-b5a2-41fb-8719-0801eafb0b77}\: The device does not recognize the command. | ERROR(Win32) : 22 (0x00000016)

Wed 30/03/22 10:42:36 am - Exception caught trying to create snapshots: VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup.

This error may occur as the result of a Windows update, and can be resolved by reinstalling the agent software with the following steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + S from the protected machine.

  2. Search for Add or remove programs.

  3. Select the Datto Windows Agent from the list of applications.

  4. Click Uninstall and follow the prompts on the wizard to remove the agent.

  5. Reboot the protected machine.

  6. Re-Install the Datto Windows Agent by following: Installing the Datto Windows Agent.

  7. Reboot the protected machine.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Datto Technical Support.