Event ID 38 — Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) provides the ability to create a point in time image (shadow copy) of one or more volumes that can be used to perform backups. The service is also used during restores of applications.

Event Details

Product: Windows Operating System
ID: 38
Source: VSS
Version: 6.1
Symbolic Name: VSS_ERROR_EVENTSYSTEM_DISABLED
Message: Volume Shadow Copy Service error: Either the COM+ Event System service (EventSystem) or the COM+ System Application service (COMSysApp) is disabled. Enable the service and try again. %1

Resolve

Ensure that the COM+ Event System service is enabled and started

The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) relies on COM+ to deliver events to VSS components and applications. If the COM+ Event System is unavailable, VSS cannot function properly.

You must perform the following procedures in Normal mode. Check whether the system is running in Safe mode. When your computer is in Safe mode, you will see the words Safe Mode in the corners of the display. If it is in Safe mode, restart it in Normal mode. In Normal mode, check whether the COM+ Event System is running and check that the VSS service is enabled.

To perform these procedures, you must have membership in Administrators, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.

Check that the COM+ Event System service is enabled and started

To check that the COM+ Event System service is started:

  1. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the results pane, double-click COM+ Event System.
  3. In Service status, make sure that the status is Started. If the status is not Started, click Start.
  4. Ensure that Startup type is set to Automatic.
  5. Click OK.

Check that the VSS service is enabled

To check that the VSS service is enabled:

  1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
  2. In the results pane, double-click Volume Shadow Copy.
  3. Ensure that Startup type is set to Manual.
  4. Click OK.

Verify

To verify that the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) is operating correctly, retry the previous VSS operation.

Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations

File Services