Event ID 20 — Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations

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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: 20
Source: VSS
Version: 6.1
Symbolic Name: VSS_ERROR_SAFE_MODE
Message: Volume Shadow Copy Service error: The Volume Shadow Copy infrastructure cannot be used during Safe Mode. %1

Resolve

Ensure that the computer is running in normal mode and that the VSS service is enabled

Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) can only run if Windows is in Normal mode.

You must perform the following procedure 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 VSS service is enabled.

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

To ensure that the VSS service is enabled:

  1. Click Start, click 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