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Fix System Image Backup error 0x807800A1, 0x800423F3 on Windows PC

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If when you attempt to create a system image backup on your Windows 11/10 PC, but the operation fails with the error codes 0x807800A1 & 0x800423F3, then this post is likely to help you. In this post, we will offer the most suitable solutions to this issue.

System Image Backup error 0x807800A1 & 0x800423F3

When you encounter this issue, you’ll receive the following full error message;

Create a system image

The backup failed.
A Volume Shadow Copy Service operation failed. Please check “VSS” and “SPP” application event logs for more information. (0x807800A1)
Additional Information:
The writer experienced a transient error. If the backup process is retried, the error may not reoccur. (0x800423F3)

What are VSS and SPP?

  • Volume Shadow Copy Service or VSS is used to create backup copies or snapshots of Windows computer files and drivers. It is available if you are using NTFS, and these copies can be saved on a local or external hard drive. If the service is stopped, the backup process related to VSS will fail.
  • Software Protection Service or sppsvc.exe enables the download, installation, and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications.

The logs for these can found with the Event Viewer. Run eventvwr.msc to open it. In the Event Viewer, you can check the Application log for any ERROR reported by these services. VSS errors will appear in the Application Log as entries with a source labeled VSS and SPP for Software Protection Service.

Fix System Image Backup error 0x807800A1 & 0x800423F3

If you’re faced with any of these error codes, you can try our recommended solutions in the order presented below and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

  1. Check Volume Shadow Copy & Software Protection Services
  2. Create System Image using PowerShell
  3. Use third-party imaging software.

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Check Volume Shadow Copy & Software Protection Services

To restart the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) on Windows 10, do the following:

  • Press Windows key + R to invoke the Run dialog.
  • In the Run dialog box, type cmd and then press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER to open Command Prompt in admin/elevated mode.
  • In the command prompt window, type the command below and hit Enter after each line:
net stop vss
net start vss

Once the commands execute successfully, try the system image backup again. The operation should complete successfully.

You need to also check if the Software Protection Service is disabled. If it is, then Start it and ensure that it is set to default which is Automatic (Delayed Started).

Also read: How to fix VSS errors 0x0000007E, 0x80042306, 0x80070057.

2] Create System Image using PowerShell

Command lines are less prone to errors provided the syntax are correct, unlike GUIs that can suffer a glitch every now and then.

This solution simply entails creating the system image backup using PowerShell on Windows.

3] Use third-party imaging software

This solution requires you to use 3rd party Imaging, Backup and Recovery Software to create the system image backup. You’ll achieve the same result as with the native system image backup utility in Windows.

Related reads:

All the best.

Obinna@TWC

Obinna has completed B.Tech in Information & Communication Technology. He has worked as a System Support Engineer, primarily on User Endpoint Administration, as well as a Technical Analyst, primarily on Server/System Administration. He also has experience as a Network and Communications Officer. He has been a Windows Insider MVP (2020) and currently owns and runs a Computer Clinic.