BA736: Could not create directory¶
| Error code | Product | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| BA736 | BackupAssist | For BackupAssist 9.0.0 or later. |
Description¶
During a File Protection (file replication) backup, BackupAssist recreates the source folder structure on the backup destination. BA736 is recorded when it could not create one of those folders on the destination. The folder involved and the underlying Windows error are listed in the File Replication section of the backup report.
Common causes:
- The Backup User Identity does not have permission to write to the destination or network share - the most common cause on NAS / SMB destinations.
- The full path exceeds the Windows path-length limit.
- Antivirus or RMM software is locking the destination folder.
- The destination (USB or network) was disconnected during the backup.
- The destination is out of free space.
Resolution¶
Resolution 1 - Identify the folder and Windows error (recommended)¶
Open the backup report and expand the File Replication section. Note the folder path and the Windows error code shown for it - that error points to the cause, which you can then address using the steps below.
Resolution 2 - Fix the common causes¶
- Confirm the Backup User Identity has full write permission on the destination folder or network share (check both the share and NTFS permissions on a NAS).
- If the path is very long, shorten the destination path or enable Windows long-path support.
- Exclude the destination path from antivirus and RMM real-time scanning.
- Confirm the destination is connected and has sufficient free space.
- Re-run the backup.
Note on the backup report¶
The File Replication section shows this as: Could not create directory, together with the Windows error code and the folder path.
| Last updated | Created | Further assistance |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Aug 2026 | 18th Aug 2015 | BackupAssist Support page |